The local government client wanted a performance management system to align strategic and operational outcomes. An enterprise action framework was developed with a database to translate strategy into an actionable system. Spreadsheet and document data was imported to create a SQL database with data entry screens. A desktop application was then developed to provide reporting and charting capabilities based on the new comprehensive data model. The system took six weeks to create and helped the client identify its key priorities.

1. Case Story
Local Government
2004
Performance Management
District Municipal Authority
Client
A new management team wanted to develop an organization
able to think and act as one. The team's first priority was to
bring together a view of strategic and operational outcomes it
had committed to with the aim of using this information to
underpin the development of a performance management
framework. It was important that the executive and elected
members could obtain a transparent view of progress towards
top-line strategic outcomes. The system needed to harness
existing data held in planning documents and back-office
systems.
Problem
A pilot enterprise action framework system was authored; a database-driven application that could translate strategy into an
actionable information system for managing performance across the organization.
Solutions
www.encanvas.com
To work with a mixture of word documents, spreadsheets etc. and manually enter known performance data.
Options
Spreadsheet and word processor data from strategy and budgeting documents was imported and used to create a Microsoft SQL
database. Data entry screens were developed to assist in the exercise of enriching the data. A series of new tables were introduced
to provide a comprehensive data model to meet the decision support needs of the council including portfolio responsibilities,
organisational design, focus areas, golden threads, priorities and objectives. Once the data model had been formalized, a desktop
application was developed to provide reports and charting capabilities.
Application
The creation of the data model and system took 6-weeks from concept to completion. Much of this time was spent addressing data
quality and integrity issues that became obvious when the data was aggregated and presented in a more useful context.
Timescales
The resulting information system has helped the authority to identify its key priorities.
Deliverable