A Systematic Approach to Performance Evaluation A Systematic Approach to Performance Evaluation

There is no such thing as an all-purpose system performance model. Each model must be developed with an understanding of the system and the problem to be solved. Therefore, the first step in conducting a performance evaluation study is to clearly state the goals of the project and obtain a global definition of the current environment based on these goals. Setting goals involves deliberate interaction with system users and decisionmakers, taking care to avoid any preconceived biases or beliefs. Embarking on a performance study to prove that one alternative is better than another is bound to be met with skepticism. It is best to base all conclusions and recommendations on the results of the model rather than on what one party wants to hear.