Search results

The significant role that performance management plays in the success of environmental programs is examined. An overview of the Clean Charles 2005 initiative, designed to drastically improve the water quality of the Charles River in MA, is presented, illustrating the utility of performance management measures. An analysis of the initiative's performance goals revealed that clearly stipulated objectives motivate staff & facilitate the achievement of required action. Several characteristics of the initiative's principles for measuring project progression are discussed to demonstrate their efficacy. After considering various strategies for capturing the interest of the public, local governments, & other parties, the project management team's rationale for deciding to heighten media coverage of the program's progression is explained. Various problems previous environmental initiatives have had in securing project accountability are also covered, eg, holding managers personally responsible leads to conservative strategies; with these problems in mind, a performance-focused paradigm for ensuring accountability is offered. The question of whether the Charles River 2005 initiative can be integrated into the existing national environmental protection system is considered. J. W. Parker