Performance measurement: questions for tomorrow

Ever since Johnson and Kaplan (1987) published their seminal article performance measurement gained increasing popularity both in practice and research with over 3600 articles between 1994 and 1996. A précis of the literature on global and business trends predicts that the world is heading towards a networking era dominated by global autopoietic networks. A systematic review of the performance measurement literature concludes that although historically the performance measurement literature had tracked the global business trends our current state of knowledge on performance measurement is not complete and a number of fundamental questions remain unanswered, particularly in the context of future trends

Value of maturity models in performance measurement

Over the last 20 years, the field of performance measurement (PM) has evolved from measurement to management. Investigations demonstrated the relevance of PM in management of organisations’ results. Although maturity model concept was widely used, the value of maturity models in PM has not been purposefully investigated. To address this gap, this research formulated three research questions: (1) How do maturity models in the field of performance measurement and management (PM&M) add value in practice? (2) How do such maturity models compliment and/or replicate the value added by an expert? (3) How do maturity models contribute to the development of the organisation’s PM&M practices? Using a predefined research protocol, 12 European manufacturing organisations and independent experts were engaged in conducting two separate studies: (1) the experts conducted reviews with 12 companies using a standard business review format; (2) research team adopted one of the available maturity models and facilitated self-assessments with the management teams of the same 12 companies. Results from both the studies were compared and high levels of congruence were identified. The analysis demonstrates that the maturity models with certain characteristics, promote organisational learning as well as enabling efficient and effective assessment of the performance management practices of the organisations

Supply chain sustainability performance measurement of small and medium sized enterprises using structural equation modeling

Sustainability of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) is significant as SMEs contribute to GDP substantially in every economy. This research develops an innovative sustainable supply chain performance measurement model for SMEs. Prior researches predominantly use balanced score card (BSC) approach that presume causal relationship of criteria and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), which derive efficiency of units from a few input and output criteria. While DEA is effective for policymakers, BSC is more suitable for individual SME. The proposed method that uses structural equation modeling (SEM) approach to derive the relationship of criteria and criteria weights formulates regression-type models for a specific region as well as for specific SME. The SEM-based supply chain sustainability performance measurement model is beneficial to policymakers as they can determine means for improvement at a regional level. The proposed method could also facilitate managers/owners of individual SMEs with measures for improving their supply chain sustainability performance. The method has been applied to three varied geographical locations in the UK, France and India in order to demonstrate its effectiveness

Conceptualizing and measuring strategy implementation – a multi-dimensional view

Through quantitative methodological approaches for studying the strategic management and planning process, analysis of data from 208 senior managers involved in strategy processes within ten UK industrial sectors provides evidence on the measurement properties of a multi-dimensional instrument that assesses ten dimensions of strategy implementation. Using exploratory factor analysis, results indicate the sub-constructs (the ten dimensions) are uni-dimensional factors with acceptable reliability and validity; whilst using three additional measures, and correlation and hierarchical regression analysis, the nomological validity for the multi-dimensional strategy implementation construct was established. Relative importance of ten strategy implementation dimensions (activities) for practicing managers is highlighted, with the mutually and combinative effects drawing conclusion that senior management involvement leads the way among the ten key identified activities vital for successful strategy implementation

How bridging organisations manage technology transfer in SMEs: an empirical investigation

Scholars underline the high relevance of bridging organisations in favouring innovation. Nevertheless, they do not investigate enough how bridging organisations favour technology transfer, particularly with regard to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To fill this research gap, this paper reviews the studies on the technology transfer activities a bridging organisation could perform. Then, the main activities carried out by intermediators are empirically investigated to identify the main intervention processes and activities. The further analysis of these activities identifies three SMEs\u2019 abilities an intermediator may promote (i.e. networking, integration and absorptive capacity). This paper offers practical and theoretical contributions. First, it supports the definition of the intermediators\u2019 intervention plans with a whole description of the three potential levels of intervention. Second, it synthetises the relationship between technology management, bridging organisations and SMEs in three propositions. Finally, it highlights the need for policy makers\u2019 intervention supporting technology transfer offices and local institutions

The role of organisational culture and leadership style in performance measurement and management: a longitudinal case study

Since the 90s the need to develop Performance Measurement Systems and Performance Management Practices (PMM) in public organisations has been highlighted, however, the contingency factors influencing PMM still lack a deep understanding. To contribute to filling this research gap, the paper aims to investigate the influence of leadership style and organisational culture on the PMM-sustaining performance of an Italian justice court through a longitudinal case study. In the investigated case, firstly, the shift from passive avoidant to transactional leadership style supports the implementation of a performance measurement system (PMS). Then, the further change from transactional to transformational leadership favours the development of achievement culture and the development of participative performance management practices. This paper identifies a theoretical framework on how leadership styles and organisational culture interplay with the PMM evolutionary path, and some key practical determinants for driving the efficient implementation of PMM in justice courts