Monitoring Systems and Development of Indicators

Running head: MONITORING SYSTEM AND DEVELOPMENT OF INDICATORS
Monitoring Systems and Development of Indicators
Name
Institutional Affiliation

MONITORING SYSTEMS AND DEVELOPMENT OF INDICATORS 2
Monitoring systems and development of indicators
Introduction
Monitoring is a management response to challenges that exist in the sustainability of a
project. It assists individuals in comprehending systems of sustainability and their values. The
systems of monitoring majorly focus on establishing different appropriate tools that help in
weighing the relationship of the sustainability practices. These monitoring systems essentially
indicate the patterns and trends of sustainable systems by developing a good understanding of
these systems. This establishes a comparison between the desired future conditions with the
current state of systems. Any change in the whole system can be detected and utilized as a
warning against change. In turn, the development and sustainable system progress in an
enterprise can be estimated. Agencies, Funders, Public, Government, and Afflicted community
are the different type of audiences to be tapped with regard to monitoring and evaluation.
According to Valentin and Spangenberg, (2010), competent monitoring and evaluation improves
the success of the project and further motivate stakeholders by assisting them in understanding
the international public.
On the other hand, indicators are significant in providing guidance for decision-making in
different ways. Firstly, indicators transform both social science and physical knowledge into
admissible units of information that fosters decision-making process. For example, on the
nationwide scale, indicators enable policy makers and experts to reach a comprehensive decision
on how to respond to certain epidemics. They are essential in measuring and calibrating progress
towards sustainable development goals (Reed, Fraser and Dougill, 2016). Indicators alert an
individual to minimize or prevent social, environmental and economic damage. In addition to
preventing social, economic and environmental damage, they are also crucial tools to channel
values, thoughts, and ideas of an organization. Sustainability indicators differ greatly from
traditional indicators. The traditional indicators are independent of other segments while
sustainability indicators clearly indicate that the three various parts are related.
Notably, indicators are very important tools if utilized well but if misused, they can
considerably waste a lot of resources. The information obtained for use in the process can also
become useless. Therefore, it is imperative to have a competent, qualitative, technically sound
and practical indicator for a stellar record of performance (Hák, Moldan and Dahl, 2012). In
most cases, indicators are used to furnish information on achievement, accountability, and

MONITORING SYSTEMS AND DEVELOPMENT OF INDICATORS 3
performance. These three elements form the basis of monitoring and evaluation. More so,
indicators enhance data on which strategic action is taken to manage certain epidemics. It is quite
impossible to address a certain epidemic in the absence of indicators. It is necessary to give
indicators a priority in collecting viable information to obtain useful data from a particular place.
Literature Review
Competent indicators features
A qualitative and competent indicator is composed of various features. To start with, a
good indicator ought to be brief and lucid. It should provide information on only one issue at
hand depending on the use as well as furnishing of information that would highlight a specific
line of focus. The collection of concrete and credible information is also important to come up
with competent indicators. Essentially, competent indicators should correctly measure their
denoted quantity. As Evans, Strezov and Evans (2017) postulates, there are a number of aspects
that should be looked upon in case of an indicator. One of the indicators is validity. Validity is
the extent to which a quantity is estimated. The other aspect is reliability which is the uniformity
of data collected several times by the same method under similar conditions. Bias is another
aspect that happens during data collection leading to errors.
Apart from considering indicators’ features, it is also important to evaluate these
indicators based on the AIM criteria that determine indicator eminence. One of the criteria of
indicators is action focused. Indicators ought to strategize action in order to be accepted as a
good indicator. Another criterion of an indicator is its importance. This is seen when
stakeholders consent to an indicator as its data outline the course of action. Additionally, they
should also be measurable and well defined. Finally, it is better to identify simple indicators that
can give the required data for use. Apart from identifying a perfect indicator, it is better to pursue
a good, simple indicator that provides information for use.
Evidently, it is vital to consider sustainability in any development. Sustainable
development is the growth that satisfies the present generation demands by not hindering future
generation from fulfilling their demands. Sustainable development consists of concepts of needs
seen in the poverty-stricken community worldwide and restrictions caused by social organization
and technology in satisfying both present and future demands. Sustainable development is
comprised of three diverse features which include involvement, equalized development, and
responsibility sharing as well as equity over time. For sustainable development, it is imperative

MONITORING SYSTEMS AND DEVELOPMENT OF INDICATORS 4
to attain a relationship between the society, economy and the environment. In this regard, the
economy exists in a society that requires mutual interaction between people. The society is larger
as compared to the economy and it entails music, religion, art, family, and ethics. However, the
same society depends on the environment for its survival. It needs water, food, and air which are
provided by the environment. Therefore, society is smaller as compared to the environment.
In sustainable development, sustainable developments indicators exist which analyze
alterations and further monitor and evaluate progress concerning managing institutional,
environmental, social and economic resources. The main aim of the indicators is to reveal how
appropriate the system operates with respect to the expected goals. Indicators are also utilized in
the evaluation if a project takes into account the sustainable development context. In this case,
they quantify something but do not indicate the exact amount of that substance (Moldan,
Janoušková and Hák, 2012).
Sustainable development indicator forms a procedure that addresses environmental,
economic and social aspects of a community and further recognizes the relationship between
them. Understanding the significance of the three aspects and connecting them is key for
establishing competent indicators. For example, freeway, highways and another kind of
infrastructure contribute to better commuting as well as link different regions well. This
contributes to a complex employee, reduced rate of unemployment and ecological contamination
avoidance. In this case, an indicator that measures the relationship between infrastructural
construction and ecological contamination can be so interesting from the sustainable
development context.
Indicators are not formed to replace investigations of particular issues but the information
produced by these indicators is interpreted within the wider context of the circumstance.
Indicators are also a significant segment of effective monitoring and evaluation. This is because
they provide crucial information on performance, success as well as accountability even though;
they seem to have only one part of a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system (Pannell
and Glenn, 2010). It is therefore imperative to use indicators at the period where they provide
meaningful knowledge and information. Indicators also ought to be chosen systematically and
carefully. The environment and the context where these indicators will be used should be also
considered. Besides, it is important to take into consideration any existing indicator that is
relevant to the context. All potential indicators ought to be evaluated by utilizing international

MONITORING SYSTEMS AND DEVELOPMENT OF INDICATORS 5
indicator standards to ensure that they give vital information. In addition, indicators ought to be
drawn from widely used indicator sets that have a track record that is successful.
Additionally, indicators ought to be subjected to continuous assessment. They should be
open to challenges, enhancements and further discussions to reflect changing objectives. It is
significant to have a formal process for reviewing the indicators that permit the development of
current indicators and revision of indicators that exist (Choi and Sirakaya, 2016). This process
involves open consultation with various stakeholders such as technical and subject-matter
experts, community and data providers. It is, therefore, crucial to listen to other people’s
feedback and criticisms to review the whole process and respond by improving the indicator.
Description of the auto repair shop
The Quick and Dirty auto repair shop is a start-up organization that provides full
domestic and foreign car repair services. It serves a major location in the United States. This auto
repair shop faces a lot of competition and tries to differentiate itself by providing free repair
service and a fully stocked parts store. The established auto repair shop seeks to develop an
outstanding business in two years. The established auto repair shop serves its broad range of
customers for parts and services. The parts department bolster the service department by
permitting the service sector to do jobs faster as compared to competitors. The auto repair shop
will also provide unlimited shuttle service for repair making the whole process a painless
experience and convenient. The auto repair shop will further maintain a thorough approach to
ensure that it maintains the same standards across all processes.
The approaches of sustainability are based on convenient and expedient auto repair
services, quick order and major auto parts items delivery, a broad range of auto parts inventory
as well as develops and maintain a good referral network of local towing service stock (Bell and
Morse, 2012). The established auto repair shop uses an optimal degree of technology in
administering a complete range of numerous auto parts inventory. It also develops strong vendor
relationships with the most reputable vendors in terms of major parts shipping. The company
also focuses on meeting the demand of the regular local resident customer. The auto repair shop
has aimed at reducing energy consumption in its operation by introducing machines that have an
interface head of the desired auto repair industry. The auto repair machines used will be
incorporated with sustainable materials. Constant adjustments are being done to enhance the
environment and working condition of employees. The auto repair shop has set thorough and

MONITORING SYSTEMS AND DEVELOPMENT OF INDICATORS 6
absolute targets to minimize the total greenhouse emissions. The auto repair shop also continues
to dialogue with other companies to develop a more sustainable business.
Sustainability indicators
Sustainability Indicators Indicators Name Measurement
Economic indicators Gross domestic product
Total factor productivity
- The indicator measures the
market value of all goods and
services generated by the
economy in a specified period
of time
- It measures a good ability for
people to understand
inflationary pressures and
further reveal how gross
domestic product increase
without affecting inflation.
Environmental indicators Material
Energy
Air emissions
- Material indicator mainly
reveals the use of substances
of concern.
- Energy measures energy use
and efficiency
- Monitor such emissions and
control it where necessary.
Social indicators Stakeholder involvement
Health and safety
Human right and business
ethics
Equal opportunities and non-
- Measures the level of
commitment to external
stakeholder.
- Measures employee health
and safety.
- It measures the level of
commitment to safeguarding
the human rights of employees
and stakeholders.

MONITORING SYSTEMS AND DEVELOPMENT OF INDICATORS 7
discrimination
Bribery and corruption
- It measures the level of
commitment to non-
discrimination and the
provision of equal
opportunities.
- It monitors whichever it does
to ensure integrity as well as
high standards of conduct.
Economic sustainability indicators
Economic dimensions are the system of production and consumption. Economic
prosperity is a crucial sustainable development element. Economic dimensions eradicate poverty,
makes changes in economic policy growth as well as finance old burdens. The economy is a
powerful sustainable development tool especially when tools such as legislation and public
awareness are included. When used in the right way, it gives proficient incentives to make
suitable choices for sustainable development (Morse et al., 2011). The incentives should be at all
levels of the society working in favor of sustainable development by conveying research into
insights and solutions for sustainable development, making sustainable investments in private
and public sectors profitable and influencing consumption decision at all levels. The auto repair
shop industry is vital for sustainable growth because it provides wealth, employment
opportunities and economic benefits to the society. The economic indicators include efficient
wealth creations, abundant supply of goods and services, competitiveness, GDP per capita and
evolution of economic systems.
Gross domestic product
One of the indicators is the gross domestic product per capita (GDP). GDP is the rise and
fall of economic development. It is also the market value of all goods and services generated by
the economy in a specified period of time. It has been noted that the auto repair shop produces
important socio-economic benefits for the GDP (Bradley Guy and Kibert, 2018).

MONITORING SYSTEMS AND DEVELOPMENT OF INDICATORS 8
Total factor productivity
Another economic indicator is the total factor productivity. Productivity provides a good
ability for people to understand inflationary pressures and further reveal how gross domestic
product increase without affecting inflation. With regard to the auto repair shop, the company
has minimized operating costs and expanded its connectivity to become economically viable for
the local operator. The capital expenditures and net investment indicator specify the distribution
of capital broken down by interest on borrowings, dividends and debt on all classes of shares.
The auto repair shop has utilized its capital to socially responsible investing. These sustainable
indicators have helped the auto repair shop to sustain in the market.
Environmental sustainability indicators
Among the different sustainable indicators in the monitoring system for the auto repair
shop, the environmental indicators carry core concepts of sustainability. Environmental
indicators measure the impacts of the company on the environment. The environmental entities
include human, water, land ecosystems and air. The environmental impacts can be global or local
one depending on the nature of the process. With regard to the enterprise of the auto repair shop,
these threats are posed to the employees who work in the auto repair shop. The sustainability
indicators that relate to the auto repair shop include materials, air emissions, product, and energy.
These indicators are crucial for conducting sustainable monitoring procedure for the auto repair
shop.
Material
One of the environmental indicators is materials. Materials are the different elements of
concern that are utilized in the company. The material indicator mainly reveals the use of
substances of concern. The auto repair shop repairs vehicles that have polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
on its casings and boards. The materials used in the auto repair shop provide more concern over
sustainability issues in the company (Levett, 2017). Therefore, upgrading this indicator is vital in
measuring sustainability impacts of materials in the company.

MONITORING SYSTEMS AND DEVELOPMENT OF INDICATORS 9
Energy
The second environmental indicator is energy. Energy has become essential for the
effective functioning of any enterprise. This indicator measures energy use and efficiency. The
auto repair shop is not an exception and addresses the issue of energy use through its machines
used for repair. The indicator gives an effective measurement of energy use that assists the
company to include processes that consume lesser energy for a sustainable future.
Air emissions
In addition to energy consumption, the auto repair shop emits more carbon dioxide
across nearby areas of the plant. The air emissions contribute to water, land and air pollution. It
is important to carefully monitor such emissions and control it where necessary. The company
ought to evaluate the number of emissions produced (Gallopin, 2016). There are various
products in the auto repair shop that is biodegradable. The products’ toxicity and environmental
impact are determined using the product indicator. Therefore, the product indicator is essential in
the auto repair shop to ensure sustainable practices.
Social sustainability indicators
Since most enterprises are socially bounded, it is significant for them to be linked with
society. Personal and community resources need to be created and utilized within the guiding
principles of equity, security, adaptability and social inclusion and interaction for an enterprise to
be effective and sustainable (Rydin, Holman and Wolff, 2013). The social indicators of auto
repair shop include stakeholder involvement, bribery and corruption, health and safety, equal
opportunities and non-discrimination as well as human rights and business ethics. The auto repair
shop has maintained proper monitoring systems on sustainability to have better production. One
of the social indicators is stakeholder involvement.
Stakeholder Involvement
Stakeholders are individuals who are directly affected by a business. They include
employees, customers, industry partners, media and non-governmental organization. Stakeholder
involvement measures the level of commitment to external stakeholder. It is vital for any
enterprise to relate well with these stakeholders because they provide the company with some
long run and sustainable benefits (Farrell and Hart, 2018). The involvement of stakeholders also
builds a good image for the enterprise in the public. It is also important in the decision-making

MONITORING SYSTEMS AND DEVELOPMENT OF INDICATORS 10
process. The auto repair shop seeks to respond to the concerns of stakeholders and intend to
carry an annual stakeholder survey that identifies the top-ranked economic, social and
environmental issues for its investors and customers. It will measure the views of employees in
the early polls and surveys.
Health and Safety
Another social indicator is health and safety. It is one of the most significant indicators
that an enterprise should be concerned about. The health and safety standards of employees
ought to be addressed amicably. It is one of the indicators that measures employee health and
safety. Improving processes and equipment for handling vehicles and executing health and safety
framework for preventive and corrective action need to be done (Hueting and Reijnders, 2014).
Human rights and business ethics
Human rights and business ethics is another social indicator. It measures the level of
commitment to safeguarding the human rights of employees and stakeholders. Every enterprise
is needed to behave in a social and ethical way and operate its business in accordance with the
national laws and regulations. The human right and business ethics is the key indicator that
enables the company to identify itself if it is sustainable or not. Safeguarding of individual right
is relevant to sustainable development that should be addressed in the auto repair shop.
Equal opportunities and non-discrimination
Another key social indicator that ought to be addressed for sustainable development is
providing equal opportunities regardless of race, disabilities, and gender. Notably, it measures
the level of commitment to non-discrimination and the provision of equal opportunities. In most
cases, gender disparity is one of the crucial issues that should be addressed by the auto repair
shop. The enterprise should attract more women in professional jobs. It is therefore important to
give equal opportunities to make any enterprise have better sustainable practices (Afgan and da
Graça Carvalho, 2010). Addressing equal opportunities and non-discrimination indicator
requires various organizations to give equal opportunities to all individual. The objective of the
developed auto repair shop is to establish a team in which the number of males is directly
proportional to the female workforce. The auto repair shop will seek to reinforce and deepen its
leadership qualities by launching different training sessions. The classroom sessions will be

MONITORING SYSTEMS AND DEVELOPMENT OF INDICATORS 11
mixed with mentoring, coaching, job rotation to maximize learning opportunities. This will give
employees practical support in developing skills to head and service mechanical convergence.
Bribery and corruption
Bribery and corruption is another issue that ought to be addressed in numerous
companies (Keeble, Topiol and Berkeley, 2013). It is one of the approaches that are used to
avoid bribery and corruption. It has become one of the main hindrances in equal wealth
distribution. The auto repair shop will implement and monitor whichever it does to ensure
integrity as well as high standards of conduct. The auto repair shop will further offer training
courses to educate employees on anti-corruption business ethics code. Different companies
should take careful consideration with regard to this problem that has a direct impact on
sustainability.
Environmental Sustainability Area
The selected sustainability area under discussion is an environmental indicator. The
indicators of the environment include materials, energy, and air emissions. The material indicator
avails important information on various elements and substances utilized in the auto repair shop.
The materials such as PVC, metals and other substances used in the auto repair shop are taken
into consideration in this indicator (Shen et al., 2011). One of the substances identified in the
auto repair shop is the lubricants used to reduce friction in some parts of the car. The major risk
of this lubricant is that when they come in contact with plants and soil, they kill plants and
organisms by obstructing the free flow of air. The metals removed from repaired vehicles poses a
serious risk to people working in the shop. The auto repair shop is striving to remove this
substance to come up with some lubricants that are environmentally friendly (Dahl, 2012). The
other substance found in the auto repair shop is PVC commonly used in casings. PVC emits
hydrochloric acid and dioxins which contain different carcinogens. When they accumulate in
animal fat, they cause cancer to humans. The auto repair shop ought to try and eliminate this
substance from vehicles.
Energy indicator
Another indicator of sustainable development is energy. The energy indicator determines
energy use and efficiency in the use of renewable sources of energy. In the case of the auto repair

MONITORING SYSTEMS AND DEVELOPMENT OF INDICATORS 12
shop, the machines used to carry out repair consume a lot of energy. It is therefore important for
the auto repair shop to try and minimize energy consumption.
Product indicator
Product is another indicator that gives information about the impacts of the environment
that occurs throughout the vehicle repair life cycle. The product indicator collects more
significance in identifying sustainability measure in the auto repair shop as the whole business
distributes its products (Deeter-Schmelz, 2014). The auto repair shop should come up with an
initiative that develops products that are environmentally sustainable. The whole lifecycle of
goods ought to be revised and the usage of different elements ought to be identified as
environmentally friendly.
Air emissions indicator
Air emissions are another indicator that gives information about the number of pollutants
that the auto repair shop releases to the air, water, and air ecosystems. The air emissions
indicator defines the level and severity of the impact as well as other associated impacts on the
environment.
Conclusively, sustainable growth has become a very important aspect of numerous
sectors of economic development. It has been vital to respond to different sustainability
challenges in many industries. The procedures for monitoring have been formed with the
associated indicator to provide a dynamic tool for evaluating sustainability. The environmental
indicators such as material, products, and energy as well as air emissions are prevalent in the
auto repair shop. The material indicator mainly measures the use of substances of concern while
the energy indicator measures energy use and efficiency.
Additionally, the product indicator measures information about the impacts of the
environment that happens throughout the vehicle repair life cycle. The social indicators such as
stakeholder involvement, health and safety, bribery and corruption, equal opportunities and non-
discrimination and human rights and business ethics are prevalent in the auto repair shop.
Stakeholder involvement determines the level of commitment to external stakeholder; the human
rights indicator measures the commitment level of employees to protect their human rights. With
respect to economic indicators, efficient wealth creations, competitiveness, and evolution of the
economic system are also prevalent in the auto repair sector. It is therefore essential to
incorporate the environmental, social and economic indicators in the monitoring of systems.

MONITORING SYSTEMS AND DEVELOPMENT OF INDICATORS 13
These indicators are useful in providing information to be used in evaluating and monitoring
systems.

MONITORING SYSTEMS AND DEVELOPMENT OF INDICATORS 14
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