Efficiency- is realized by getting the most out of the resources committed to a particular service. In other words, it is the Bang-for-your-Buck measure. The typical is cost per unit output.

Effectiveness- Effectiveness is a measure of the quality of services provided and their impact on the consumer. It focuses on the outcomes resulting from a particular combination of inputs, procedures and management.

Equity- Issues of equity can result from choices by policy makers that propose changes to the status of groups of individuals. A dilemma often occurs because decisions about changing service delivery methods are seldom win-win – the outcome of the decision usually results in a gain for some groups at the expense of others. Modification or cessation of services can reduce taxpayers burdens, while at the same time reducing services for other needy taxpayers or displacing public employees.

Feasibility- Feasibility answers the question, “Can change occur?” Involved in this discussion are considerations for Political, Legal and Market forces.

It is necessary to accurately assess the criteria individually, however, these criteria are interactive. A change in efficiency could result in reduced effectiveness, equity or feasibility.

It is left to decision makers to weigh the effects a particular alternative may have on their constituency and act accordingly.

In our analyses, these four criteria were used as guideposts and the recommendations made address them explicitly.

The analyses began with choosing services performed in Allegheny County.

Emphasis was placed on identifying several services representative of the range of services provided in Allegheny County.