Performance Measurement: Building Theory, Improving Practice

This collection of seven classic articles gives students and practitioners perspectives on assessing governmental functions in terms of outcomes rather than simply on a certain quantifiable measure or perception of efficiency. Topics here include the case for performance measurement, its purposes and techniques (with a case of libraries and leisure services), performance-based budgeting (with data from 47 states), performance-based management (including an application of strategic planning), the role of citizens in measuring and promoting performance (including two models of involvement), and performance measurement across government levels (in light of the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993). Each article includes the original references and the editors include a general index for all the articles. Annotation c2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)