Exploring strategic execution

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 406-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meabh Smith ◽  
John Loonam

Purpose Globally and particularly in Ireland, reduced expenditure on healthcare along with increasing pressure to increase patient throughput and improved performance against standards, is forcing healthcare providers to adopt tools from the business sector and apply them in the healthcare sector to bring about improved performance. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This study is interpretivist in nature, specifically focussing on exploring how the balanced scorecard can support improved service delivery within a hospital department. The research will conduct an exploratory case study of a single hospital site within the Irish republic. This research is based on qualitative interviews with corroboration from document review and direct observation. This study provides a snap-shot of the Cath Lab service at a moment in time. Findings The development of a strategy map and proposed balanced scorecard for an Irish hospital unit. Originality/value The development of a balanced scorecard for a healthcare organisation.

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 954-973 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ishani Buddika Soysa ◽  
Nihal Palitha Jayamaha ◽  
Nigel Peter Grigg

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a performance measurement (PM) framework for Australasian nonprofit organisations (NPOs) involved in healthcare, and operational descriptions for each PM dimension within this framework. Design/methodology/approach Literature relating to the balanced scorecard and other PM frameworks was examined to develop an initial conceptual model, and this model was substantially improved by collecting qualitative data from nine Australian and New Zealand healthcare NPOs using a case study approach. Findings The study identifies nine causally related PM dimensions: mission, strategy, organisational capabilities, infrastructure and people development (people and information), financial health, processes, and stakeholder satisfaction (clients, people, and donors). The study also recognised that “Mission” and “Strategy” should be PM dimensions and that healthcare NPOs should focus on satisfying its people, not only donors and clients. Additionally, 41 operational descriptions are developed for each of these dimensions and can enable detailed PM items to be derived by organisations. Originality/value The study is the first study that has been undertaken to develop a PM framework for the Australasian NPOs to a level that it can be readily used by the practitioners (following customisation to their own specific context). The developed model also serves as a basis for future quantitative academic research aimed at testing and empirical validation of the conceptual model.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 652-674
Author(s):  
Salim Khalid ◽  
Claire Beattie ◽  
John Sands ◽  
Veronica Hampson

PurposeThis study aims to explore the ways that the balanced scorecard (BSC) can be adapted to incorporate environmental performance in a health care context.Design/methodology/approachThis research adopts a qualitative approach that uses an in-depth case study including semi-structured interviews and document review. Interviews are conducted with individuals working within a regional public hospital and health service organisation in Australia. The research is informed by stakeholder theory.FindingsThe participants identified a number of approaches to incorporating environmental dimensions within the BSC: fully integrated, partially integrated, a separate additional perspective and differentiation based on the origin of the environmental activities and events. These findings confirm the contingent nature of the selected model and reinforce the importance of organisational vision and environmental strategy as formative factors.Research limitations/implicationsThis research provides a starting point for future research to refine the proposed models and evaluate their viability and relevance in other contexts.Practical implicationsThis study provides motivations for managers to engage with the BSC as an effective performance measurement system, which can be developed and adapted to incorporate important environmental elements of organisational performance.Social implicationsThis study reveals the importance of difference between endogenous and exogenous environmental activities. As concerns around the environmental consequences of organisational activities continue to grow, opportunities for institutions to reassure stakeholders of their sustainable practices are increasingly critical.Originality/valueThis study presents preliminary evidence on the suitability of various models for integrating environmental dimensions within the BSC. The findings provide a valuable contribution to literature on performance measurement systems in the healthcare sector.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tharusha N. Gooneratne ◽  
Zahirul Hoque

Purpose This paper aims to report on an empirical investigation of the fate of the balanced scorecard (BSC) approach in an organization. Design/methodology/approach Building on actor-network theory and using a qualitative case study approach, this study analyses how across time certain actors attempted to build a competing network in the organization to gain support for their underlying rationales for replacing the BSC with a budgeting system. Data were collected using interviews, observations and archival data from a Sri Lankan commercial bank. Findings This paper finds that despite the enthusiastic journey with all its potentials to be a sustainable accounting innovation, the attraction towards the BSC innovation by the organization appeared to be temporary because the BSC knowledge claims that were advanced by its promoters had not been widely accepted by those involved in the practice. Such a consequence of innovation diffusion appeared to be the result of the failure of the innovation promoters in coordinating the heterogeneous interests of various actors involved in the practice. This study concludes that the BSC failed to be sustained, amid varying ideologies and interests of powerful actors across time and opponent actors’ perceived deficiencies in its adapted design attributes. Research limitations/implications Although the findings relate to a Sri Lankan case, they offer important insight into how parallel, competing networks advocating different control systems may exist in an organization, and that the sustainability of a specific system may depend upon the efforts and the relative power of the advocators of that system. Practical implications This paper sheds useful insights for practitioners on the effective implementation of accounting innovations and managing management control systems in organizations amid tensions associated with competing networks. Originality/value The outcomes enhance the knowledge of how multiple networks operating in an organization could compete with one another, with the result that one network may fall apart while another network gains prominence in the corporate landscape across time, amid varying interests of key actors, their actions and interessement devices used.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 414-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nizar Mohammad Alsharari ◽  
Riyad Eid ◽  
Ali Assiri

Purpose This paper aims to explain institutional contradictions in the balanced scorecard (BSC) implementation process between organizations, which successfully implemented BSC. The purpose of this paper is to identify a comprehensive set of potential determinants influencing the successful implementation of BSC. Design/methodology/approach This study is an exploratory investigation into the BSC implementation based on a dialectical perspective. It uses the triangulation of data collection including interviews, documents and surveys. This also includes a comprehensive scrutiny of the relevant literature; a comprehensive analysis of case studies of BSC implementations in four organizations; and interviews and documents evidences that have already implemented or are in the process of implementing BSC. Findings The BSC was successfully implemented in the organizations, when the accounting systems introduced in these organization had already been institutionalized, that is, accepted and used on day-to-day basis. The dialectical perspective postulates that for change to become institutionalized in the organization, it needs to overcome the problem of embedded agency. This process of change is possible due to the accumulation of institutional contradiction that enables human praxis to introduce change (Seo and Creed, 2002). Research limitations/implications There is a need to empirically test and refine the proposed factors and explore relationships among the various variables by collecting data from organizations that have already implemented BSC. Practical implications The findings of this study are important and relevant to all the different-sized organizations in the different sectors and industries. This study also makes a significant contribution to society in general. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature on organizational and accounting change that emphasis the crucial role that institutional contradiction plays in the process of BSC implementation. The findings of this study will help management in making crucial decisions and in resource allocations that are required to make the BSC implementation a success.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guilherme Francisco Frederico ◽  
Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes ◽  
Anil Kumar ◽  
Vikas Kumar

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a theoretical approach based on the balanced scorecard (BSC) with regard to performance measurement – PM in supply chains for the Industry 4.0 era.Design/methodology/approachThis paper combines the literature of PM and specifically the BSC with the literature related to the dimensions of supply chain in the context of Industry 4.0.FindingsDimensions extracted from the literature based on supply chains within the context of Industry 4.0 showed a strong alignment with the four perspectives of the BSC, which make it suitable to be considered as a performance measurement system (PMS) for supply chains in this new context.Research limitations/implicationsFrom theoretical perspective, this study contributes to the limited literature on PM for supply chains in Industry 4.0 era. The study proposes a supply chain 4.0 Scorecard and strongly support researchers to conduct future empirical researches in order to get a deeper understanding about PM in supply chains in the Industry 4.0 era. As limitations, the theoretical framework proposed needs further empirical research in other to validate it and obtain new insights over the investigation conducted and presented into this paper.Practical implicationsPractitioners can use this study as a guide to develop more effective performance measurement systems – PMSs in their organizations.Originality/valueThis research is unique as it addresses a significant knowledge gap related to PM in supply chains in the Industry 4.0 era. It brings a significant contribution in terms of understanding how to measure performance in supply chains in this new era.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 165-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Doni ◽  
Mikkel Larsen ◽  
Silvio Bianchi Martini ◽  
Antonio Corvino

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the engagement with integrated reporting (IR) of the Development Bank of Singapore (DBS), as one of the banks that pioneered IR. Banking industry members face critical sector-specific issues regarding the use of capitals, especially the disclosure of relational and natural capital-related information, and reporting of the outcomes of capitals. This study examines an innovative approach to accounting for multiple capitals adopted by DBS during its journey toward IR. Design/methodology/approach This empirical research follows the case study method, using semi-structured interviews with DBS’s managers, and analyzing reports and other documentation. Findings The authors find that DBS re-conceptualizes, re-categorizes and measures multiple capitals as a form of non-financial value using the balance sheet approach to make visible the interactions and potential tensions (trade-offs) among capitals. Research limitations/implications Case studies are best used to understand a specific context, so the findings of this study cannot be generalized statistically. However, the study does provide insights into the banking industry that may be applicable to other organizations. Practical implications The categorization and reporting of multiple capitals using the balance sheet approach and the integration of the balanced scorecard are innovative operationalizations of the International <IR> Framework. Originality/value This study provides an innovative approach to the categorization and measurement of multiple capitals. It represents a step toward reducing the gap between research and practice on IR.


2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 34-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rainer Lueg

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show how the use of Strategy Maps substantially improves the implementation success of balanced scorecards (BSC). The BSC is supposed to translate strategy into action. Strategy maps support this by showing cause-and-effect chains. But what does this mean for strategy execution in practice? To achieve better BSC implementations, the author uncovers pitfalls and names the remedies. Design/methodology/approach – The author summarizes the most important findings from initially over 1,000 studies that have dealt with the BSC from 1992 to 2012. Findings – BSC implementations that use a sophisticated Strategy Map appear to be successful. Strategy maps foster a better understanding of the BSC among employees, create greater commitment and less resistance and are superior to the BSC itself in communicating how to achieve strategic goals. Also, strategy maps facilitate managers’ evaluation of the relevant environment. Nevertheless, the common measure bias is a usual pitfall: top managers have a tendency to use their own strategic targets as a yardstick for lower-level employees. Originality/value – This paper helps managers understand the most recent developments on strategy maps. In particular, the author highlights that causalities do not exist in organizations in the same way as there are “laws” in physics. Instead, organizations need to customize their BSC to their way of doing business.


2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 539-545 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert S. Kaplan

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide the author's insights about five papers written in this volume about his published work on the balanced scorecard (BSC).Design/methodology/approachThe author's comments are based on his personal writing, teaching, speaking about, and implementing the BSC during the past 20 years.FindingsThe author finds that academic commentary on the BSC often ignores its role in strategy execution.Research limitations/implicationsThe commentary is unique to the author's personal experiences and may not be generalizable to other scholars who have not shared the same experiences.Practical implicationsThe paper may help scholars better understand the role of the BSC for strategy formulation, communication and implementation. It may also aid them in teaching the BSC to students and executives.Social implicationsThe paper discusses how the BSC can be used in public sector applications, as well as for companies that want to internalize environmental, social and community objectives in their strategies.Originality/valueThe paper reflects the personal views of the author; it is original to him.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 383-396
Author(s):  
Pierre-Laurent Bescos ◽  
Aude Deville ◽  
Philippe Foulquier

PurposeThis paper examines the roles of the balanced scorecard (BSC) in a long-term perspective and with a large deployment along numerous hierarchical levels. For this purpose, we use a longitudinal analysis of an implementation in a mutual insurance company.Design/methodology/approachWe combine actor–network theory (ANT) with interventionist research (IVR) to analyze the interrelation between human and non-human actors. Our study is based on various materials like interviews, meeting reports, graphs and so on.FindingsThe BSC is considered as a non-human actor which influences the human actors and provides specific benefits from a long-term use, due to various roles played by this tool (a mediator role, completed by a role of translator and revealer).Research limitations/implicationsResearch based on larger cross-sectional studies are necessary to more deeply validate our results based on a single case study.Practical implicationsThis paper gives some insights on processes and on actors an organization can mobilize to maintain the benefits provided by a large BSC use in the long run.Originality/valueIn line with the ANT concepts, our main contribution is to explain the outcomes of an innovation in management accounting by the consequences of adaptation mechanisms grounded on actors, translations, alliances and trials of strength.


2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (7) ◽  
pp. 1358-1380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashish Malik ◽  
Brendan Boyle ◽  
Rebecca Mitchell

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine innovation in the resource-constrained context of India’s healthcare industry. It is argued that the process of innovation in addressing healthcare management challenges in such a context occurs through organisational ambidexterity and that human resource management (HRM) plays an important role. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research methodology is applied to explore the role of HR practices in facilitating contextual ambidexterity and subsequent innovations in healthcare in India. The unit of analysis is the “case” of healthcare providers in India and in-depth interview and documentary data in two case sites are analysed to reveal the role of HRM in facilitating contextual ambidexterity and innovation. Data analysis was undertaken first at a within-case and then at a cross-case analysis level using interpretive manual coding based on how the data explained the role of HRM in delivering innovative outcomes and supporting organisational ambidexterity. Findings The authors found evidence of the use of sets of high-involvement HRM practices for exploration of new ideas and efficiency-driven HRM practices for creating contextual ambidexterity in the case organisations. Further, managerial/leadership style was found to play an important role in creating cultures of trust, openness, risk-taking and employee empowerment, supported by an appropriate mix of intrinsic and extrinsic rewards. Finally, training was also reported as being central to creating an ambidextrous context for delivering on various innovations in these healthcare providers. Originality/value This study represents an exploration of innovation in the context of India’s healthcare sector through intersecting literatures of ambidexterity, innovation and HRM practices. In light of the emerging economy research context, an important empirical contribution is palpable. Moreover, through a study design which included collecting data from multiple informants on the role of human resources in facilitating innovative outcomes, the authors reveal the role of HR-related initiatives, beyond formal HR practices in creating contextual ambidexterity. This study also reveals the degree to which contextual idiosyncrasies enhance our understanding of the role of HR in facilitating innovation in emerging economies.


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