Strategic Performance Management in Public Higher Education: Informing Decisions, Improving Results, and Demonstrating Value

Performance measurement and accountability theories and concepts provide a framework for public higher education institutions to make data informed decisions, assure strategic use of resources, improve outcomes, and demonstrate contributions to the greater good. The study explored the application of strategic performance management at public four year universities, its impact on leaders’ decision making and institutional effectiveness outcomes, and its alignment with state policy priorities. The study explored the application of specific practices including: a) use of performance measurement data to develop and assess strategic priorities, b) institutional leaders using measurement data to inform day-to-day decisions, c) using performance measurement data to inform annual budget allocations, d) benchmarking against comparable institutions, e) periodically disseminating information publicly, 6) cascading measurement down through the organization, and, f) whether performance measurement is used by managers and department chairs to inform day-to-day decisions. The study also explored whether performance measurement at public higher education institutions contributed to improved decision-making by leadership or institutional effectiveness outcomes, and whether institutions’ performance measures were aligned with states’ public policy priorities for higher education. The findings reveal specific measurement areas on which institutions that experienced better decision making and improved institutional effectiveness outcomes were collecting data and analyzing. It provides higher education leaders a framework to develop indicators and dashboards that inform decision making and resource allocation, demonstrate value to the public and foster organizational learning.

Grantor dc:publisher

Creighton University

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Ceppi, Matthew J

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Hawkins, Peggy L.

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University and to ProQuest following the publishing model selected above.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10504/47384

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:cdr.creighton.edu:10504/47384