The Use Of Performance Indicators In Local Public Services

Combining practical experience with academic analysis this book explores the social and organizational dynamics of performance indicators. It moves beyond the technicalities of measurement and indicators and looks at how performance information is changing the public sector.

Tackling the key topics of reform and modernization, this important new book systematically examines performance in public management systems. The authors present this seminal subject in an informative and accessible manner, tackling some of the most important themes. Performance Management in the Public Sector takes as its point of departure a broad definition of performance to redefine major and basic mechanisms in public administration, both theoretically and in practice. The book: situates performance in some of the current public management debates; discusses the many definitions of ‘performance’ and how it has become one of the contested agendas of public management; examines measurement, incorporation and use of performance information; and explores the challenges and future directions of performance management. A must-read for any student or practitioner of public management, this core text will prove invaluable to anyone wanting to improve their understanding of performance management in the public sector.

First published in 1998, this volume responds to the increase in performance review driven by government policies and examines the performance environment and processes for local government. Rob Ball explores the political and managerial environment before moving onto service planning, performance indicators and the Citizen’s Charter along with case studies. It is hoped to be of particular interest to undergraduate and postgraduate students of public administration or public management.

The question of how to measure the quality and effectiveness of the output of the planning process is a current major debate. This book deals with issues of defining quality, public sector management, the use of indicators and the planning process.

Volume 1: Creating A Financial Framework Financial policies, planning and citizen participation are cross-cutting topics that imingpact all aspects of local government decision-making. This volume provides decision makers with a basic financial foundation and will be especially useful for policy makers and chief executive officers. Sections: Financial Policy Making; Financial Planning; Citizen Participation; Evaluating Financial Condition Volume 2: Managing the Operating Budget The short-term operating budget and long-term capital investment plans are the engines that drive local government. The operating budget is the primary mechanism for providing public services and demonstrating accountability for decisions made during the budget process. More technical in nature than volume 1, many of the more basic ideas will be of use to policy makers, while the advanced concepts are written principally for chief executive officers, finance managers and department heads. Sections: Operating Budget; Financing the Operating Budget Volume 3: Managing the Capital Investment Plan Highlighting citizen participation, transparency and accountability, this volume describes how to design and implement a capital investment planning and budgeting system, with a more advanced section dealing with value management and real estate analysis. It also examines how the financing for the investment plan is developed and implemented, reviews the benefits of instituting a debt management program, looks at types of financing, methods for selecting credit instruments and the mechanics for obtaining financing, as well as reviewing credit analysis, disclosure requirements and administration of the debt. Sections: Capital Investment Plan; Financing the Capital Investment Plan Volume 4: Managing Performance This final volume reviews four of the cornerstones of good governance: accounting, performance measures, asset management and procurement. Basic sections cover fundamental, need-to-know information for policy makers, accompanied by more advanced technical treatment for financial managers and CEOs. Sections: Accounting; Performance Measures; Asset Management; Procurement.

The growing focus on performance review and monitoring means that awareness and use of performance indicators has increased throughout a number of public services. Set within a national context, this book reviews the historical development and measurement issues of performance indicators within social care and the public sector for older people. It then provides an approach to effective local performance measurement in services for older people and an organizing framework within which organizations can arrange their performance appraisal for older people's services. The development of performance review in social care of older people is examined, as is the process of developing local performance measures and engaging staff in enquiry and quality management. The book also reviews the process of developing performance indicators and their utilization at an agency level. Performance Indicators in Social Care for Older People will be of particular interest in the UK for local service providers who are developing approaches for local performance review. It will also be of interest internationally, especially in countries where services for older people are currently developing in a similar direction.