Trends

Definition:

"Trends" refers to numerical information that shows the direction and rate (slope of trend data) and breadth (how widely deployed and shared) of performance improvements. A minimum of three data points generally is needed to begin to ascertain a trend. More data points are needed to define a statistically valid trend.

Features:

- Direction and slope of results over time

- Number of data points dependent on cycle time of process being measured

Questions to be asked in analyzing trends:

- Are results tracked over time? Are results sustained? Is there consistency of results—favorable, unfavorable, or no change? If there is no change, is it OK because the organization's results show sustained high performance?

- Do you understand the trends--remember that decreasing numbers can be better and the applicant may not have indicated the direction of desired results.

- Do the results include segmentation? If results are not segmented, does the applicant explain why not? What is happening within each segment? What is happening for a selected segment through the Item? If segmentation varies in the figures, why? Are the key segments appropriate? Are the results segmented in a way that can help the applicant improve what they are doing?

Examples of trends called for by the Criteria include data related to product and service performance, customer and employee satisfaction and dissatisfaction results, financial performance, marketplace performance, and operational performance, such as cycle time and productivity.

See also: Results Scoring Guidelines.

The term "trends" appears in the Baldrige Criteria in the following locations: