Dear All,

I'm beginning to see the word 'metrics' from time to time.

In some areas of mathematics it seems to be used as a (slightly derogatory)
term to apply to those areas of applied mathematics that actually need units
of measurement � as opposed to the refined areas of pure mathematics where
no units are required.

Sometimes it is used in the context of business where it seems to be used as
a synonym of measurements. Recently, I heard a radio interview when Carly
Fiorina of Hewlett-Packard was asked about her annual salary of one million
dollars. She claimed that her her high salary was appropriate because it was
supported by suitable 'performance metrics'. I must say that it occurred to
me that the Hewlett-Packard company might have serious trouble converting to
metric when their CEO already believes she knows what 'metrics' are.

By the way, I had never heard Carly Fiorina's voice before this. Does anyone
know if Carly moonlights by doing the voiceover for Marge Simpson?

Cheers,

Pat Naughtin CAMS
Geelong, Australia

Reply via email to