Key performance indicators (KPIs) are the best way to enable an IT steering committee to monitor the achievement of overall IT objectives on a continuous basis, as they are metrics that measure the progress and outcomes of IT activities, processes, and projects in relation to the enterprise’s vision, strategy, and goals. KPIs can help the IT steering committee to assess and communicate the effectiveness and efficiency of IT operations, services, and initiatives, as well as their contribution to customer satisfaction, business value, and innovation. KPIs can also help the IT steering committee to identify and address any issues or gaps in IT performance or alignment, as well as to evaluate and improve the IT governance and management practices. Performance Measurement Metrics for IT Governance provides an overview of KPIs and their benefits for IT governance.
Defined service level agreements (SLAs), project portfolio dashboards, and IT user survey results are also useful ways to monitor the achievement of overall IT objectives, but they are not the best way. Defined SLAs are contracts that specify the scope, standards, and expectations of IT service delivery, as well as the roles, responsibilities, and rights of both the service provider and the service recipient. Defined SLAs can help ensure that the IT services meet the quality and availability requirements of the business units, as well as monitor and measure the service performance and compliance. Project portfolio dashboards are tools that display the status, progress, and performance of IT projects in a graphical or visual way. Project portfolio dashboards can help track and communicate the key information and data about IT projects, such as scope, schedule, budget, risks, or issues. IT user survey results are feedback or opinions collected from the end users of IT systems or services through questionnaires or interviews. IT user survey results can help gauge and improve the user satisfaction and experience with IT systems or services, as well as identify and address any user needs or expectations.