This paper outlines a method for the development of a landscape management specification based on tabular formats, quality audits and performance indicators. It can be utilised for contracted services, personal performance agreements and “in house” Service Level Agreements.
The development of specifications for landscape management can often be a cumbersome process, and if not carefully designed, result in ambiguous and complex specifications which fail to achieve the desired outcomes.
Performance criteria developed from landscape management audits and presented in tabular form, can reduce the size/complexity of landscape management specifications, provide more accurate monitoring of desirable outcomes, lead to better self-supervision by the service providers, and serve as a catalyst for increasing productivity.
The process outlined in this paper is based on the following steps:
- Definition of Landscape Maintenance Aims and Objectives
- Definition of Terms
- Identification of Locations and Hectarage
- Identification of Key Management Activities and Responsibilities
- Development of Performance Criteria
- Audit of the Landscape’s Current Status
- Development of Performance Indicators
- Measurement and Specification Refinement