There should be a clear relationship between the Business Line's key results and the department's management and organizational structure. A well defined PRAS will allow the reader to understand the organization well enough so that informed judgements can be made with respect to the appropriateness of business lines. It is consistent with the department's role and mandate as set out in legislation and government policy. The objective should be specific to the Business Line. If it is shared by other Business Lines, across departments or between the federal and other levels of government, it is written too broadly.
Plain language is key.
A clearly written Business Line objective facilitates assessment of whether actual and prospective performance represents value for money achievement. Business Line Description Effective descriptions of the Business Line's program delivery vehicles will provide a good indication of the types of results, particularly client benefits and outcomes, that would have to occur for good value for money to have been achieved. The use of words like facilitate, encourage and promote does not communicate what type of program instrument is being used and therefore what type of results could be expected. The use of words like advise, regulate, monitor, assess and fund gives the reader more insight into reasonable expectations for results. These documents will be referenced as part of the review and approval of a PRAS to ensure consistency of reporting.