Our clients utilize both approaches with success. Those that have included the same criteria for all countries can quickly point out program holes, many times due to lack of market readiness. Noting those program holes can keep key travel management goals on the agenda as holes are reviewed each quarter. Conversely, other clients have set goals at a country level, removing any "unachievable goals" (think electronic ticketing in Russia). Those clients note that they can measure the areas that they can influence yielding a truer picture of the travel management progress.
These approaches can also be summarized by region, enabling stakeholders to contrast and compare program movement geographically. Our clients garner strong senior management support when presented with this type of overview.
Final Thoughts
Showing the progress of a travel management program has always been problematic. Suppliers and buyers can use different terms and definitions, as well as measurement criteria, and calculations. This is further complicated by companies' reporting requirements.
Following the above outline can get you closer to the target while providing tangible measurements of progress by country, region, and component. Stakeholders will now be able to quickly grasp the results. This focused progress reporting eases their ability to offer support as needed.
Remember: Those who don't know where they are going are sure to end up there.
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