The Burgess Method: Overview

The Burgess Method (TBM) is a system of data collection and analysis, based to some extent on the established techniques use in corporate accountancy and macro-economics, but with a focus on value as well as money profit and on the micro-economy of the community.

Tr-Ac-Net Value Analysis (TBM) is a system that measures socio-economic performance and serves as a way of “scorekeeping” for the community ... for society … for people! TBM is rigorous, easy to understand, independent and reliable. The methods for data acquisition and analysis are derived from techniques long use in corporate accountancy and macro-economics, as well as using mobile, internet and social network technology that have become ubiquitous.

TBM measures socio-economic performance in a comprehensive manner and serves as a system of “scorekeeping” for the community that is rigorous, easy to understand, independent and reliable. The system of scorekeeping used in TBM includes the concepts of costs and revenues that result in profit, as well as the idea of cost and value creation that result in socio-economic progress.

The measurement of progress may be done very simply by looking at how the 'value' of the community has changed over time, that is, how the community balance sheet has changed over time. This concept is used in corporate accountancy. The net of changes in the balance sheet are equal to the net results reported in the profit and loss account! For TBM, the value of the community includes both the tangible resources and liabilities of the community, but also the less tangible values associated with quality of life and the condition of the human capital!

TBM was developed to be an efficient way of measuring socio-economic progress. The basis concept includes elements of business accountancy, but expanded to include the idea of value that goes beyond just money. In addition, TBM reports on progress and performance from the perspective of the community rather than the perspective of the organization.

TBM has been simplified by having a focus on the community where economic activities and their impact are easy to observe. TBM is characterized by its focus on what is material ... while also trying to appreciate what might be important albeit not easy to measure. TBM is not simplified by the use of small surveys and advanced statistical models that derive results that may or may not reflect reality, and are difficult to incorporate into actionable management information.

TBM is a modular system. The focus of TBM is the community and the socio-economic activities that have an impact on the community. This includes health which is a key aspect of community well-being ... and malaria is part of this. It also includes education, faith based activities, food and agriculture, production, infrastructure and so on ... everything ... all the sectors!

TBM is an independent system that aims to operate without requiring the support of any one actor. All may participate ... and the system works even when some of the major actors choose to remain uncooperative and exclude themselves from participation in the system.

Performance in the area of socio-economic development is how much progress for how little cost ... or use of resources. Cost effectiveness is the relationship between impact or progress and the cost. Cost efficiency is the actual cost compared to what the cost could have been or should have been.

'Value' is a subjective matter ... but very important. The fact that value is subjective and not easy to quantity, does not mean it should be ignored. Sometimes the 'price' of something is a close approximation to its 'value' but not always. Many things that are available 'free' have value ... just as many things that have a price have little value.

TBM is a system that has value by putting critical information onto a score-board ... but it is not always a popular system. It is “hard ball”, and some of the players will not like what TBM shows, and there will likely be repercussions. The safety of TBM participants is a concern ... a sad and terrible reflection on the core ethical malaise of modern society and some of the powerful elite.

TBM is the first application of fractal economics ... and emerging new approach to economic analysis based on the use of fractal mathematical concepts.

The TBM system uses the idea of 'standard value' to capture value and put it in the framework. Standard value is similar to the standard cost idea in cost accounting ... it is a fixed quantification based on an appropriate computation. In the TBM system, economic activities use resources ... consume value ... and have results and impact that builds or creates value. The net is value adding or value destruction.

A successful community ... a community that is realizing socio-economic progress is getting the benefit of socio-economic activities that in the aggregate are value adding. Sometimes value adding equates to 'surplus producing' ... but not always. Value changes included value elements that are not taken into account within money accounting systems and most prevailing economic metrics.

Tr-Ac-Net Inc.
The Transparency and Accountability Network
URL: www.tr-ac-net.org
Email: peterbnyc@gmail.com
Mobile: +1 212 744 6469 Landline: +1 917 432 1191