Or is it getting worse? Evaluating an organisation's performance requires scratching below the surface - not just looking at the bottom line.

Many organisations don't measure their processes, or if they do, don't use their data efficiently, says CSIRO statistician Ian Saunders.

"People aren't making good use of their data. At all levels, they don't have access to measurements which would tell them how well their organisation is going," says Ian, a member of the CSIRO Quality Improvement Group and Australian Quality Awards evaluator.

"Good data use leads to better decision-making, better communication and better planning," says Ian. "And it leads to an understanding of business processes and customer needs."

Ian Saunders and his colleagues from CSIRO's Division of Mathematics and Statistics are taking mathematics out of the laboratory and into the realms of business and commerce.

"We're offering a service to organisations to help them look critically at how they collect, and more importantly, use their data," says Ian.

A 'Data and Information Assessment' involves CSIRO statisticians spending time in an organisation, considering its goals, reviewing its use of data, talking to managers and assessing their needs. This enables the team to identify potential for better data use, and recommend ways of improving business performance.

"There's plenty of scope to improve in the area of measurement," says Ian. "Where companies are taking measurement seriously, managers are finding they have a much better understanding of how they are performing, so they can feel really in control. More and more managers are becoming increasingly aware of the need for better data use ... and we offer the expertise."

More information from: Ian Saunders, tel: 08-83038788 or Carrie Bengston, tel: 02-93253247