Title: In search of academic excellence with the strategy map: analysis of an Italian case study

Authors: Antonella Cugini; Giovanna Michelon; Silvia Pilonato

Addresses: Department of Economics and Management, University of Padova, Via del Santo 33, 35123 Padova, Italy ' University of Exeter Business School, Streatham Court, Rennes Drives, Exeter, EX4 4ST, UK; University of Padova, Via del Santo 33, 35123 Padova, Italy ' Department of Economics and Management, University of Padova, Via del Santo 33, 35123 Padova, Italy

Abstract: Notwithstanding a growing interest in performance management systems for universities, little is known about their application to academic departments, public institutions dedicated to research. The purpose of the paper is the exploration of a specific performance measurement model - the balanced scorecard strategy map - which is suitable for the particular features of an academic department. The paper uses a qualitative methodology to identify the dimensions of the performance measurement and proposes a set of goals and measures. The paper extends the customer perspective by considering a wider system of stakeholders and emphasises the strategic role of the financial dimension as a driver for achieving the mission.

Keywords: performance measurement; strategy maps; balanced scorecard; BSC; case study; universities; higher education; academic departments; academic excellence; Italy; university research; stakeholders; financial dimension.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2014.057897

International Journal of Business Performance Management, 2014 Vol.15 No.1, pp.1 - 22

Received: 08 Jun 2012
Accepted: 25 Apr 2013
Published online: 16 Jun 2014 *

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