Project Management Performance Measures in a Regulatory Environment: An Initial Examination

Abstract

This paper's first section provides background on basic measurement concepts under the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA, Results Act). GPRA revolutionized government officials' thinking about effectiveness and efficiency with its emphasis on measurable goals. Here a broad background for the law and the implications of its enactment are provided. Next, the paper presents several types of measures for government work and their relationships to each other. The second half of the paper touches on some of the unique reasons that measuring project management by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is particularly difficult. With this in mind, the paper concludes with possible measures for FDA project managers and suggests possible areas for research and thought.