GAO Glossary of Terms and Definitions (September 2005)

Performance Measurement

The ongoing monitoring and reporting of program accomplishments, particularly progress toward preestablished goals. It is typically conducted by program or agency management.

Performance measures may address the type or level of program activities conducted (process), the direct products and services delivered by a program (outputs), or the results of those products and services (outcomes).

A program may be any activity, project, function, or policy that has an identifiable purpose or set of objectives. (See also Performance Budgeting; Government Performance and Results Act.)

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