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

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.