Encl. (4) COMDTINST 5224.9A
OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF A MEASURE
An operational definition is a precise description of important terms and procedures to be used. It
describes WHAT something is and HOW it is to be measured. It is essential you establish an
operational definition before you begin any measurement activity. The checklist below is to be
completed before starting your data gathering activities. Completing this checklist will ensure your
understanding is complete about any measure before the labor intense work begins. At a minimum,
your operational definition includes:
An unambiguous description of the measure
The population that the measure will include
The frequency of the measure
The source of the data
Any equations required in analyzing the measure
Precise definition of key terms
A description of the graphic presentation to be used to display the data
The user of the measure
The accountable process
The desired outcome expressed in terms of a positive or negative trend (not a specific goal)
The link between the process being measured and your organization's plans and goals
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