So the last task for members of the list was to examine an attempt to derive types of indicators based on a review of the literature and similar projects. The 8 proposed indicator types are:

1. Baseline (performance)
2. Content
3. Output
4. Process
5. Outcome
6. Impact
7. Learning
8. Communication

These are further defined along the following dimensions:

1. What does the indicator intend to assess?
2. Why would you use this indicator?
3. What does the indicator look like?
4. What is the benefit of the indicator?
5. What are the limitations of the indicator?
   

There was some discussion as to variations and ammendments but personally I felt it was a "noble attempt". I just had a few slight quibbles. One of these was larger than our remit and basically boiled down to a reductionist versus holist approach. Another was the suggestion that 'process' isn't so tricky to define if one employs systems analysis. Further suggestions of my own were very minor although others had more substantial ideas. One of these was that it would be a shame if the derived indicators became a basis for nations to compete. I agreed and argued that this could potentionally create conflict where obviously - with a global problem - one is wishing for cooperation amongst nations. My own solution was that the derived indicators should contain a proviso stating how they should and should not be used. Of course this is a little idealistic. Nevertheless we should assume some responsibility I suppose.