Metrics and Data

 

Project metrics are crucial components of Social Value Manager that allow you to store, manage and track your project data.

It is possible to create a social value calculation without using project metrics and data if you hard-code your numbers into the calculations. However, this will mean that you cannot vary the calculations for different reporting periods, and you cannot use Project Forms to update your data. 

Constants and variables

When a metric is created, it can be set up either be a constant or a variable. Constants remain the same for each reporting period, whereas variables can be different for each reporting period.

Monetary and non-monetary metrics

When a metric is created, it can be set up either as a monetary, or non-monetary. 

Working with data

To access your project data:

  1. Open your chosen project
  2. Click on ‘Metrics and Data’ in the navigation menu
  3. You will see four main sections at the top of the page

 

The main view shows your Metrics List, which displays all current data entries with key information about each one.

You can filter this list by:

  • Searching for specific names
  • Filtering by category
  • Showing only monetary or non-monetary values
  • Displaying variables or constants

 

Creating new metrics

To create a new metric:

  1. Click the ‘Add Data’ button
  2. Choose whether the data is monetary or non-monetary
  3. Decide if the value is constant (same across all reporting periods) or variable

 

For non-monetary metrics:

  • Provide a name and description
  • Assign a category (for grouping similar data)
  • Choose whether the data is on a scale and needs converting. If your data is on a scale, it will probably need to be converted before it can be used in your social value calculations. For example, if you are using the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, your data will be on a scale that runs from 7 to 35. 
  • If using a scale, enter the minimum and maximum values. For example, 7 for the minimum and 35 for the maximum, if using the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. Social Value Manager will then adjust the data automatically in the calculations.

 

For monetary metrics:

  • Enter name and description
  • Choose whether the value is time-bound. Time-bound metrics are those where the value is for a specific period of time, e.g. ‘per year’
  • If time-bound, specify the time period (e.g. per year, per month). Social Value Manager will then adjust the value automatically if your reporting periods are for a different period of time.

 

Entering data values

If your data is marked as constant, you can enter a single value that will apply across all periods when you are creating the metric.

If your data is variable:

  • After initial setup, you’ll be prompted to enter values for each reporting period
  • The system will show adjusted values (e.g. scale conversions) automatically

 

Managing Existing Data

You can manage your data entries in several ways:

  1. Edit individual entries by clicking on them
  2. Use the Grid Edit feature to update multiple values quickly
  3. Check dependencies to see where data is being used in stakeholders, costs, or outcomes
  4. Delete entries that aren’t being used in calculations

The ‘View Data for All Reporting Periods’ screen provides an overview of your data across different time periods, making it easy to track changes and ensure consistency in your reporting.

Remember that time-bound monetary values will automatically adjust based on the length of each reporting period, ensuring accurate calculations regardless of the reporting timeframe.