Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
more efficient than an arbitrary approach. With effective application, IA
2
provides
excellent results in less time and money than an arbitrary approach. However, it
takes effort and practice to develop fluency in the application of IA
2
.
10.3.1
FEA Reference Models
The FEA consists of five reference models:
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Performance reference model (PRM)
Business reference model (BRM)
Service component reference model (SRM)
Technical reference model (TRM)
Data reference model (DRM)
10.3.1.1 Performance Reference Model
The PRM is a framework to measure the performance of IT and its contribution
to the business functions it supports and the overall enterprise. The purpose of the
PRM is to measure business value, that is, to articulate the contribution of IT to
business results. Performance criteria and performance measurements objectively
track and report performance improvement of IT and the improvement of the busi-
ness results to which IT contributes.
The PRM specifies metrics and indicators (SLAs) that define successful mission
fulfillment. The FEA PRM distinguishes among the following:
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Measurement area
Measurement category
Measurement grouping
Measurement indicator
A measurement area addresses performance aspects at the output level for agen-
cies or programs. There are four measurement areas: mission results, customer
results, processes and activities, and technology. A measurement category is a col-
lection within each measurement area describing the characteristics to be measured.
There are three measurement categories: citizen services, service delivery support,
and government resource management. A measurement grouping is a refinement of
a measurement category into specific types of measurement indicators. A measure-
ment indicator is the specific measures. Working through each area and relevant
categories, groupings, and indicators produces a list of IA questions (
What are the
risks?
) and answers (
Address the risks by
).
SLAs become increasingly significant as the federal government moves towards
performance-based contracts where the government bases contract award and pay-
