03 April 2013

Business Intelligence: Lagging Indicator (Definitions)

"When something consistently occurs a given period of time after something else, it is sometimes called a lagging indicator. The term is frequently applied to a curve of something that is correlated with the curve of something else, except it occurs a fixed period of time later (i.e., is shifted to the right on a graph with a time scale). For example, retail prices many times are lagging indicators of wholesale prices. Conversely, wholesale prices are often leading indicators of retail prices." (Robert L Harris, Information Graphics: A Comprehensive Illustrated Reference, 1996)

"An indicator that follows the occurrence of something; hence used to determine the performance of an occurrence or an event. By tracking lagging indicators, one reacts to the results. For example, the high and low temperature, precipitation, and humidity of a given day." (Lynne Hambleton, "Treasure Chest of Six Sigma Growth Methods, Tools, and Best Practices", 2007)

"Data that reflects a slower reaction to economic or market changes; useful to describe trends." (Annetta Cortez & Bob Yehling, "The Complete Idiot's Guide® To Risk Management", 2010)

"An indicator that precedes the occurrence of something; hence, such indicators are used to signal the upcoming occurrence of an event. By tracking leading indicators, one can prepare or anticipate the subsequent event and be proactive. For example, barometric pressure and doplar radar of a surrounding region are indicators of ensuing weather." (Clyde M Creveling, "Six Sigma for Technical Processes: An Overview for R Executives, Technical Leaders, and Engineering Managers", 2006)

"Information that helps to forecast an increase in risk likelihood or severity before it appears in actual risk measures." (Annetta Cortez & Bob Yehling, "The Complete Idiot's Guide® To Risk Management", 2010)

"Backward-looking performance indicators that represent the results of previous actions. Characterizing historical performance, lagging indicators frequently focus on results at the end of a time period; e.g., third-quarter sales. A balanced scorecard should contain a mix of lagging and leading indicators." (Intrafocus) 

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