Title: Applying performance measurement in service operations: analysis of contextual differences

Authors: Aki Jääskeläinen; Harri Laihonen

Addresses: Performance Management Team, Tampere University of Technology, P.O. Box 541, FIN-33101, Tampere, Finland ' Performance Management Team, Tampere University of Technology, P.O. Box 541, FIN-33101, Tampere, Finland

Abstract: This paper analyses the contextual differences of service operations with the aim to widen understanding about performance measurement in services. Recent research considers service management from many viewpoints like marketing and operations management, and also the importance of performance management in service context has been recognised. The literature illustrates the variety of service environments and operations with classifications that differentiate management concerns in different types of services. However, the practical implication of service contingencies on performance measurement practice is less studied. To address this gap in the literature, this paper studies empirically three different contexts of knowledge-intensive services, public services and industrial services. Qualitative multiple-case approach is applied. As a result, the paper shows how service contingences affect performance measurement in service operations.

Keywords: contingency theory; multiple case study; performance measurement; service management; service operations management; services.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2014.063024

International Journal of Business Performance Management, 2014 Vol.15 No.3, pp.243 - 261

Received: 08 Aug 2013
Accepted: 26 Dec 2013
Published online: 26 Jul 2014 *

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