The Qualitative Factor Index scores a country on the conformity of the country's macroeconomic profile with the best practice model for sustainable growth. The score is derived by aggregating information across eleven categories with each factor receiving a 1 for compliance or 0 for non-compliance.

Categories include:

1) Economic Model
2) Forex Regulation
3) Foreign Investment Law
4) Trade Regulation
5) Tax Regime
6) Bankruptcy Indicators
7) International Dispute Settlement
8) Political Environment
9) Political Stability
10) Corruption
11) Adherence to Global Labor Standards

Countries that score 9 or higher out of the possible 11 are "At Standard;" From 6 to 8 is "Standard in Progress;" 5 or less is "Below Standard." A country which does not have a market-based economy and/or has a high level of corruption is automatically scored as "Below Standard" regardless of their compliance with other factors.