ARIES: A theoretical framework for evaluating aspects of enterprise sustainability

Conventional thought dictates that what cannot be measured, cannot be improved. In a quest for improved operational and financial performance, many project-based enterprises have developed numerous methods to measure success. Unfortunately, many of these methods appear to be neither applicable beyond the project boundary nor able to promote effective and proactive decision-making. As a potential remedy, a theoretical framework was developed using principles of Enterprise Engineering to create a performance measurement system for project-based organizations. Known as ARIES (Agile Resource Information and Execution System), the framework builds upon existing project and program management knowledge in order to provide a quantitative methodology for evaluating aspects of enterprise sustainability. By incorporating specific measures, the framework is also able to create a graphical depiction of the enterprise's operational performance. To validate the framework, retrospective data were obtained from a successful Architecture and Engineering (A/E) firm that designs and oversees commercial building projects. Analysis of the data provided a picture of the framework's immediate and long-term benefits for project-based enterprises. From this picture managers can make improved decisions regarding existing and future work, thereby positively impacting the operational performance of the enterprise and enabling it to remain viable over a considerable period of time.