What is KPI?
A key performance indicator: a number chosen to show whether you are achieving an important goal.
In plain English
A useful KPI is tied to a clear objective, measurable, and has a target and a time frame. It is different from a metric you merely collect. Too many KPIs hide what matters, so teams choose a few that they will act on.
Example
For a support team the goal is fast help, so a KPI might be the share of tickets answered within one hour.
Where you will meet it
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Related terms
- Stakeholder: Anyone who can affect a project or is affected by it.
- Earned value management: A way to measure project progress by comparing planned work, completed work and actual cost.
Quick answers
What is KPI?
A key performance indicator: a number chosen to show whether you are achieving an important goal.
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