Human Resources

Performance Management System Design

Many performance management systems frustrate managers and employees without improving performance. This course explains how to design or redesign a performance management system: goal-setting approaches, continuous feedback, rating or non-rating models, calibration, links to reward and development, technology and change management.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

A well-designed system makes performance conversations easier and fairer. You will learn design choices backed by evidence and practice.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Design workshops, case studies of system redesign, calibration simulations and implementation planning.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Assess the current performance management system
Choose goal-setting and review approaches
Design rating, calibration and feedback processes
Link performance to reward and development
Select supporting technology
Plan implementation and manager capability

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

HR directors and managers
Reward and talent professionals
Organisational development specialists
HR business partners
HRIS managers

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

System design
Goal-setting frameworks
Calibration
Reward linkage
Change management

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Performance Management Today

09:00–10:08Purpose and trends
10:08–11:00Why systems fail
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Why systems fail (continued)
11:45–12:53Assessment of current state
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Goals and Feedback

09:00–10:08OKRs and objectives
10:08–11:00Continuous feedback
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Continuous feedback (continued)
11:45–12:53Check-ins
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Evaluation

09:00–10:08Ratings or no ratings
10:08–11:00Calibration
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Calibration (continued)
11:45–12:53Fairness
12:53–14:00Simulation

Day 4Links to Reward and Development

09:00–10:08Pay decisions
10:08–11:00Development plans
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Development plans (continued)
11:45–12:53Talent reviews
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Implementation

09:00–10:08Technology
10:08–11:00Manager training
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Manager training (continued)
11:45–12:53Communication
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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