To measure the performance of a complex system, precise indicators are necessary to gather information of a system’s performance.

A wide variety of performance shaping factors co-exist in complex operations. The factors need to be measured correctly through the use of correct methods and tools. The complexity arises further as the interdependency among the factors in a system needs also to be accounted, which requires knowledge about all layers of a system and holistic approach to system assessment.

Performance indicators are used to extract relevant information from the system. There are specifically two important decisions that needs to be evaluated when using performance indicators:

• What factors need to be measured within the system?
• How should the factors be measured?

These are essential topics to explore, and the PhD-graduate Jorgen Ernstsen is researching how to measure and assess system performance with the use of performance indicators.