A PMP provides detailed information that guides the implementation of performance data collection and analysis for all performance indicators identified in a CDCS.

Missions may choose the format in which they will display information about the performance indicators they will monitor. Missions often introduce their indicators in a PMP using a simple list — Performance Indicators at a Glance. More detailed information is then presented on each indicator. USAID’s Monitoring Toolkit recommends the use of a Summary Performance Indicator Table, which includes baselines and endline targets for each indicator. Other PMPs use separate tables to display substantive features of indicators and indicator Baselines and Targets. Some provide a single page outline of all important information about each indicator, called a Performance Indicator Reference Sheet (PIRS). Still others include both indicator tables and PIRSs. Examples below illustrate these presentation formats and highlight the information they include:

Illustrative Performance Indicator Table

This table captures decisions that have been made about how, when and by whom performance data will be collected, including:

• Indicator Definition and Unit of Analysis: a precise definition of each indicator and the unit of analysis to be used.
• Data Disaggregation: the ways in which the data will be disaggregated;
• Data Sources and Collection Methods: identification of the source of data and how the data will be collected and analyzed;
• Data Analysis Methods: including the visual display of performance information
• Frequency, Schedule and Reporting Responsibilities: how often and when data collection will occur.

A sample for this table is shown below.

Missions are also encouraged to monitor the assumptions upon which CDCS results depend. A simple Assumptions Monitoring Plan Table is included in this section for Mission use.

Illustrative Indicator Baselines and Targets Table

This table notes whether an indicator is a standard indicator or a custom indicator and includes information on an indicator's baselines and targets. An example for this table is provided below and a template for it is provided in this section for your use. Information that will help you complete columns in this table is provided in this section.

In practice these two tables can be combined, but generally the number of descriptors used is reduced. The Summary Performance Indicators Annex included in the sample provided in the Monitoring Toolkit does this, showing some characteristics of indicators, but also including the baseline and endline targets for every indicator.

Performance Indicator Reference Sheet

This form focuses on individual performance indicators, in contrast to the two tables above, which are used to present information on a set of indicators. The PIRS includes all of the information shown in the two tables above for a single performance indicator. The PIRS also includes space for describing Data Quality issues and plans and for discussing the estimated costs of obtaining performance data for the indicator addressed. A sample PIRS is shown below. The template for a PIRS is provided in this kits section for your use.