In a privacy program metrics template, the "target" defines the desired performance level or goal for a specific metric. It is a pre-established benchmark against which actual performance is measured. This target functions as the threshold that must be met or exceeded to achieve a satisfactory rating, indicating that the process or control is operating effectively. For example, if the metric is "percentage of employees who completed annual privacy training," the target might be "95%," which is the threshold for success.

A. The suggested volume of data to collect is part of the methodology for measurement, not the performance goal itself.

B. The percentage of completion is an example of what a metric might measure, but the "target" is the specific percentage goal (e.g., 95%) to be achieved.

D. The frequency at which the data is sampled (e.g., monthly, quarterly) defines the reporting cadence, not the desired performance outcome.

1. International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). (2021). Privacy Program Management: Tools for Managing Privacy Within Your Organization (3rd ed.).

Chapter 6

Section 6.4

"Creating and Using Metrics": This chapter details the components of a robust metric. It explains that a metric should include a "target

" which is the "desired result" or "goal." For instance

a sample metric for "Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs) completed within the statutory period" would have a target like ">99%." This ">99%" is explicitly the threshold for a satisfactory rating. (p. 168).

2. International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). (2021). Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) Body of Knowledge.

Domain IV. Privacy Program Operational Life Cycle

Section C. Metrics: This section outlines the requirement to "define and establish a process for collecting and reporting metrics." The establishment of metrics inherently includes setting targets or key performance indicators (KPIs) which serve as thresholds to evaluate program effectiveness against organizational objectives.