Assessing performance measurement for the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division

Abstract

Performance measurement is a growing field of study and practice within federal government. From department level agencies to unit level commands, measuring performance is critical to achieving strategic objectives within public resource constraints. Performance metrics enable federal managers entrusted with the nation's resources to make productive decisions towards operational effectiveness and economic efficiency. This thesis assesses the performance measurement system of a singular organization: Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (PHD). This assessment addresses the appropriateness and quality of existing metrics at PHD based on academic research, while also comparing performance measurement at PHD with federal guidance. Performance drivers were captured during interviews with senior managers in offices and departments at PHD. These interviews were used to gain visibility into PHD's "story of success" in terms of critical inputs, processes, and outcomes. Causal performance maps were utilized to visually depict the interaction among these performance drivers and determine common critical performance variables (CPV) across PHD. Once determined, common CPV's were analyzed and existing metrics were assessed within balance scorecard perspectives. This analysis and assessment provided a framework for comparison between PHD and the performance measurement guidance within the federal chain of command. The assessment of existing metrics and recommendations will hopefully be useful to NSWC PHD in continuing progress toward achieving strategic success. It is also hoped that this thesis will provide a common framework for performance analysis to other Naval Surface Warfare Center commands.