The impact of the performance measurement systems in setting the ‘direction’ in the University of Warwick

Abstract

This paper presents a case study examining the role of performance measurement systems in setting organizational ‘direction’. There is a growing concern in the existing literature to link the development of organizational ‘direction’ with performance measurement systems. Furthermore, the alignment between organizational ‘direction’, strategy and performance measurement is an area of increasing interest for both academics and practitioners. However, there is no adequate research recorded in the literature on the use of the performance measurement systems and the potential impact that performance measurement can have in setting the organizational ‘direction’. This study reports the findings of a case study from one of the leading academic institutions in the UK, the University of Warwick, presenting the main characteristics of its performance measurement system and attempting to explain the connection with setting the university's ‘direction’.

Keywords:

• Higher education
• Universities
• Performance measurement
• Direction setting
• Case study

Acknowledgments

E. Tapinos is a doctoral researcher at Warwick Business School investigating the links between strategic planning and performance measurement systems. He holds an MSc from Warwick Manufacturing Group, University of Warwick, and a BEng from the University of Bradford. He has also worked as a management consultant for a Greek consultancy firm. His research interests are: strategy as a process, performance measurement, holistic management, future scenario planning, and visioning.

R.G. Dyson is a Professor of Operational Research, Associate Dean of Warwick Business School and Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Warwick. He has industrial experience with Pilkington Bros. plc. Joined WBS in 1970. Chair of the School 1978–81; Dean 1998–2000; Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University 1989–95 and 1999–. He was the President of the Operational Research Society 1998–99 and member of the British Academy of Management. His research interests are: organizational performance measurement, data envelopment analysis, strategic planning/development, business modelling, capital investment appraisal, and real option evaluation.

M. Meadows is a Lecturer in Operational Research and Systems at Warwick Business School. Formerly worked in operational research and strategic marketing with National Westminster Bank plc. Her research interests are: use of scenario-based techniques in strategic planning, visioning and business modelling, market segmentation in personal financial services, and business process re-engineering.