1.4.4.3 Targets

Progress in achieving asset management goals and objectives, as described by levels of service, is quantified by target values of the selected performance measures. Therefore, each performance measure should have a performance target associated with it over a period of time, typically up to five years.

The targets should be easily recognizable and understood by senior decision makers and/or the asset manager depending on whether they are strategic, tactical or operational.

The process of defining performance targets needs to be iterative, determining the best combination of targets against what is affordable. In this process, consideration should be given to:

• past and current performance and what is achievable;
• cost in the short, medium and long term.​

The process of setting performance targets may include steps such as the following (NCHRP, 2006):

• Define contexts and time horizons;
• Link targets to long – term goals;
• Assess funding availability;
• Analyze resource allocation scenarios and trade-offs;
• Consider policy and public input;
• Establish the targets and track progress.

Examples of performance targets as defined by various US state DOTs are presented in Table 1.4.4.3.1 Table 1.4.4.3.2 shows examples of targets used in Romania. Both sets of examples refer to pavement preservation.

NOTES:

NP1 – very good performance;

NP2 – good performance;

NP3 – medium performance

NP4 - NP5 - poor performance

Traffic expressed in millions of standard axles (msa)