Executive takeaways
- Define each indicator’s owner, formula and source.
- Pair outcomes with the drivers that management can influence.
- Agree review frequency, thresholds and follow-up actions.
Start with management questions
Clarify whether the priority is customer acquisition, retention, revenue, costs, profitability or delivery performance. Choose measures that fit the decision and can be supported by reliable source data.
Make the measurement contract explicit
For each indicator, define the unit, calculation, reporting period, population, data source and responsible owner. Document missing values, revisions and comparison rules. A change in definition can look like a change in performance.
Connect monitoring and action
Use the dashboard to identify variation, examine causes and track agreed actions. Show exceptions without implying causation from correlation. Review the indicator set as the business model or management priorities change.
Scope and method
Research-design guidance based on IDER’s supplied service framework; no empirical study or market forecast. This guide contains no empirical estimates, performance claims or investment recommendations.
Citation
Institute of Development and Economic Research (2026). Choose indicators that change management decisions. IDER Research Planning Guides.