Measuring Boston's Security Investment: Methods and Tools to Assess Homeland Security Initiatives. Policy Analysis Exercise
Abstract
In September 2008, the Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Preparedness (MOEP) tasked us with identifying a suitable performance measurement system for their organization. Specifically, the policy question they asked was: What is the best way the City of Boston can measure the performance of U.S. Department of Homeland Security funded initiatives since 9/11? Crafting a performance measurement system was a high priority for MOEP, but they lacked the necessary staff and resources to explore a solution in-house. In response to MOEP's request, our Policy Analysis Exercise (PAE) proposes four recommendations for MOEP as they move forward in developing a performance management system: (1) Implement a Balanced Scorecard approach; (2) Focus on defining and executing critical priorities using Richard A. Clarke's Metropolitan Area Security Plan; (3) Draw from DHS-style measures, but also focus more on creating forward-looking measures; (4) Undergo the Emergency Management Accreditation Program within 3 years. After careful review of current performance management systems, particularly those measuring preparedness and security -- we determined that the Balanced Scorecard is the most practical, applicable, and sustainable solution for MOEP.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA504930
Entities
People
- Amy Rosenband
- Jessica M. Schroeder
Organizations
- Harvard University