The Sustainability Balanced Scorecard: A Systematic Review of Architectures

The increasing strategic importance of environmental, social and ethical issues as well as related performance measures has spurred interest in corporate sustainability performance measurement and management systems. This paper focuses on the balanced scorecard (BSC), a performance measurement and management system aiming at balancing financial and non-financial as well as short and long-term measures. Modifications to the original BSC which explicitly consider environmental, social or ethical issues are often referred to as sustainability balanced scorecards (SBSCs). There is much scholarly discussion about SBSC architecture and how it can be designed to relate performance dimensions, strategic objectives and the logical links among these elements. To synthesise the widely scattered research findings and publications on the SBSC, we conducted a thematic analysis based on a systematic literature review containing 69 relevant articles spanning a period of two decades. We found that sustainability-oriented modifications of the BSC architecture are motivated by instrumental, social/political or normative theoretical perspectives. Moreover, these modifications can be mapped with a typology of generic SBSC architectures. The first dimension of the typology describes the hierarchy between performance perspectives and strategic objectives and how it is related to the organisational value system. The second dimension describes how sustainability-related strategic objectives are integrated into SBSC performance perspectives and how this is related to corporate sustainability strategy. This study contributes to the development of the emerging SBSC literature and practice and, more generally, to research on corporate sustainability performance measurement and management. We conclude with a research agenda and implications for management.     

基于平衡计分卡的保险公司评价指标研究

平衡计分卡在国际保险业的应用十分广泛,以中国平安山东地区为例,结合实际情况从财务、客户、内部业务、学习与成长等四个层面设计适当的评价指标,并通过综合使用层次分析法进行赋权,优化了平衡计分卡绩效模型指标,为下一步进行绩效评价奠定了基础。     

An empirical study of evaluating supply chain management integration using the balanced scorecard in Taiwan

Supply chain management (SCM) is essential for strengthening competitiveness, customer satisfaction, management performance, and achieving continued success. The development of effective measures of SCM performance is crucial to companies. Most corporations place considerable importance on SCM and the concept of balanced scorecard (BSC). Most studies, however, typically discuss SCM and BSC independently without examining their relationship. This study attempts to integrate SCM and BSC based on a thorough discussion of BSC measures in Kaplan and Norton. The main objectives of this study are to evaluate SCM performance using the BSC to thereby assess the business performance of many of Taiwan's industries that have implemented SCM. This study initially utilizes case studies; a research model and hypotheses are modified according to the case study findings. A questionnaire-based survey forms the second phase of data collection and data analysis. The research framework is analyzed and validated. Case study findings indicate that companies use varying degrees of SCM integration. Data analysis supports a positive correlation between SCM integration and BSC and a direct correlation between SCM integration and each BSC dimension.     

A Case Study of Balanced Scorecard Implementation in a Malaysian Company

ABSTRACT

The balanced scorecard (BSC) has attracted considerable interest among organizations seeking to improve the implementation of their strategy. Nevertheless, the success of BSC initiatives is far from certain. Some researchers argue that the BSC has its theoretical roots in management by objective (MBO). Others argue that the BSC was probably inspired by the Tableau De Bord that has been used by French companies since the 1930s. All these techniques seek to provide organizations with a basis for aligning activities and objectives. Some researchers are beginning to raise questions about BSC's effectiveness. Basing their argument on the failure of MBO and performance management programs, they argue that the BSC may also encounter similar problems. Among other things, it is argued that the effective implementation of the BSC requires the presence of human relations norms. Studies on Malaysian culture indicate that this may be more difficult to develop in Malaysian organizations. Certain characteristics of Malaysian culture may impede the development of human relations norms. Other researchers argue that there are inherent weaknesses in the BSC concept itself. These weaknesses will limit the usefulness of the BSC. This study presents the findings of a study on BSC implementation in a Malaysian telecommunication company. The findings provide some support for the concerns raised about the problems and limitations of the BSC.     

Designing a Predictive Performance Measurement and Control System to Maximize Customer Relationship Management Success

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) performance measurement is reviewed with two main intentions: (a) to encourage theoretical and empirical research and (b) to provide a useful predictive measurement system that is easy to implement. Special emphasis is placed on Balanced Scorecard methodologies as measurement systems to both evaluate and predict CRM performance. The use of a Balanced Scorecard (BSC) methodology to design CRM predictive performance measurement and control systems (PMCS) may provide several benefits to firms since (a) it reduces the risk and the uncertainty associated with the decision-making processes related to a CRM strategy and (b) it provides a strategic resource to the development of competitive advantages. The article concludes by proposing an holistic measuring system in the CRM field, including accountable, leading, repeatable, and linked metrics over the following areas and dimensions: strategy (business orientation, business atmosphere, and competitive strategy); resources (financial, human, and technological), business processes (integration and innovation); products and services (superiority and product/company synergy), customers (prospective and current); and external factors (competition and market).     

A balanced scorecard-based composite measuring approach to assessing the performance of a media outlet

In an attempt to overcome massive challenges to survive in today's global and volatile marketplace, companies are adopting newer management systems to clarify their vision and strategy and translate them into action. The balanced scorecard (BSC) is one such approach which is gaining significant interest, especially within the small and medium size enterprises. This paper describes a BSC-based composite measuring approach to performance measurement and illustrates how the approach was used by a media outlet in Turkey as part of strategic policing initiative. In the paper, first, a BSC framework was adapted, and then a composite measure was developed thereon to assess the performance of the organization with regard to its strategic business objectives. The scorecard-based composite measure was built around a vision to create superior growth of aggregate value through outlet operations. It was found that by using the suggested framework, it is possible to identify and measure the cause-and-effect relationship of using an effective operations strategy, and to assess its impact on the company's competitive advantages. This research exercise confirms the validity and usefulness of the proposed methodology and offers managerial insights and guidelines for similar implementations.     

Greening the balanced scorecard

Environmental management issues have received an increased amount of attention in recent years, as have various performance measurement systems (PMS) such as the balanced scorecard (BSC). However, implementation of these systems is challenging due to the differences found amongst the companies and users of PMS. This study investigates how the presence of particular supporting factors served to facilitate a PMS change that incorporated environmental measures. Utilization of extant change models enables us to investigate different change factors like advancing and hindering forces, momentum, and the leaders of change. We found two models appropriate for investigating environmental management accounting change, even though the change factors can be either dynamic or static. The study also proposes that company culture should be carefully taken into account when companies are changing their PMS. Technical changes to PMS are far easier to accomplish than are changes to a dominant culture. Finally, we suggest that utilizing the BSC for the purposes of environmental management is a worthwhile pursuit.     

基于公司价值最大化的业绩评价体系构建 ——EVA 与BSC 的集成研究

作为企业业绩评价使用较广泛的两种评价方法,经济增加值(EVA)与平衡记分卡(BSC)各具优缺点。本文从公司价值最大化的角度探讨两种绩效评价方法——EVA和BSC,提出了公司价值—EVA—BSC关系图,并通过AHP层次分析法,将两者进行集成优化,有机融合构建一种新的业绩评价体系,实现EVA与BSC两种绩效评价方法的集成,它以BSC为载体,以EVA为价值导向,优化企业业绩评价体系,使企业能更好地实现价值最大化目标。     

Thirty years with the balanced scorecard: What we have learned

The balanced scorecard (BSC) is one of the most influential strategy implementation and control tools of the past 75 years, but data regarding the BSC’s impact on firm performance is mixed. In this work, we go beyond anecdotal evidence to take stock of the practical impact the BSC has had, synthesize available qualitative and quantitative data on the relationship between BSC adoption and firm performance, and investigate the conditions under which the BSC has been found to be a successful strategy implementation tool. Based on the evidence, we then provide several recommendations on how to maximize the value of BSC adoption. These recommendations are centered on an apparent paradox: While the BSC is a tool for effective strategy implementation, it must itself be effectively implemented to deliver on its potential.     

基于BSC的高科技企业技术创新绩效评价研究

针对目前企业技术创新绩效评价方法和体系中存在的缺陷和不足,结合BSC的基本原理,分析了BSC用于评价高科技企业技术创新绩效的优势,从企业的战略角度对技术创新绩效进行评估,构建了基于BSC的高科技企业技术创新绩效评价模型和矩阵,有效地评估了技术创新对整个企业的贡献度。     

The balanced scorecard in China: Does it work?

The balanced scorecard (BSC) is a strategic management system that has been developed and applied in the West for 20 years. The BSC was introduced in China at the turn of the millennium and is widely used in profit and non-profit organizations, from headquarters to subsidiaries in the country. To our knowledge, research on the effectiveness of the BSC in emerging economies is rare, and there are very few studies dealing with the problems with the BSC in China. This article attempts to summarize the limitations of the BSC from Western literature, to determine the obstacles associated with the deployment of the BSC in China, and to provide recommendations for Western firms in terms of how to successfully implement the BSC in China.     

Adoption of the Balanced Scorecard: A Contingency Variables Analysis

Our study investigates the adoption of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) as a strategic planning system. We empirically examine the firm‐level factors—business‐level strategy, firm size, environmental uncertainty, investment in intangible assets, and prior performance— that are posited to differentiate BSC adopters from nonadopters. Drawing on a sample of Canadian firms and utilizing both survey and archival data, we find that BSC adopters (a) are more likely to follow a Prospector or Analyzer business strategy, (b) are significantly larger, (c) exhibit significantly higher environmental uncertainty than nonadopters, and (d) have weaker prior performance. Copyright © 2011 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

以战略为导向的企业业绩度量系统设计

本文认为,企业业绩度量系统与企业战略的有机结合能使企业业绩得以改进。为了从战略角度探索企业业绩度量系统的构建,文章对企业战略管理模型进行了剖析,将以战略为导向的企业业绩界定为客户满意度、员工忠诚度和企业现金流量,认为其度量要素可以从现金流量,战略与客户,利润与资源的使用和消耗,成本动因、生产过程、生产率及价值,员工与战略等五个方面进行考虑。为了将各度量要素纳入度量系统,本文设计的企业业绩度量系统综合运用作业成本法/管理(ABC/M)、平衡计分卡(BSC)、经济增加值(EVA)及以价值为基础的管理(VBM)等度量方法和管理手段,可以多视角度量企业业绩,从战略角度评价、反映企业业绩,促使企业不断为创造财富而努力。     

Developing Balanced Scorecard: Case of Three Construction Firms of Small Size

The article develops balanced scorecard (BSC) for three Indian construction firms of small size. All three firms could successfully implement BSC and realize benefits such as translating strategy into performance measures, tracking performance, cost reduction, revenue increase, and continuous improvement. The top management teams in all the firms were committed to the implementation of the BSC, and one member of the top management team was assigned a full-time responsibility for implementing it. There is a difference in choice of metrics for large and small firms in total number and types of metrics.     

Entrepreneurs Use a Balanced Scorecard to Translate Strategy into Performance Measures

Although 50 percent of Fortune 1000 companies currently use a balanced scorecard (BSC), few small businesses are using a BSC. A review of the literature finds no BSC papers in leading small business/entrepreneurship journals. This article begins with a discussion of the BSC and why a small business should use it. Three small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) case studies are presented, with a copy of their BSC, to illustrate how Hyde Park Electronics, Futura Industries, and Southern Gardens Citrus use a BSC to set strategy and align operations to achieve breakthrough results. Implications are, that like large businesses, SMEs can also benefit from using a BSC. Entrepreneurs of SMEs can use the case studies to develop their own BSC to improve performance. Implications for practice and research are discussed.     

平衡计分卡在价值链绩效评价中的应用

将平衡计分卡应用于价值链绩效评价,可以体现价值链绩效评价的整体性、平衡性和广泛性。建立价值链平衡计分卡,需要对平衡计分卡的维度及其具体指标进行改造以适应价值链绩效评价的要求,同时要注意其在应用中的5个具体问题。     

Managing multiple forms of strategic training fit through the Balanced Scorecard

Although the literature recognizes training as an essential driver of organizational effectiveness, little is still known about how to explicitly focus and align training to organizational strategic priorities. This note proposes a model that bridges the strategic human resource management (SHRM) literature and the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) literature – which is one of the most widely recognized strategic performance evaluation approaches intended to foster organizational alignment by translating the firm's strategy into a multidimensional set of financial and non‐financial measures. After having briefly discussed the main differences between the return on investment (ROI) model, which represents one of the major attempt to make training strategic within the existing evaluation research, and the BSC model applied to training management, this note highlights multiple forms of strategic training fit and suggests how to manage training through various scenarios of BSC development. Specifically, the note illustrates four forms of strategic fit – the vertical fit, the horizontal inter‐functional fit, the horizontal intra‐functional fit and the human capital readiness – and discusses their pursuit in terms of six scenarios of training management through the BSC. The note expands some exploratory empirical evidence on the feasibility and usefulness of training scorecards (i.e. the application of the BSC to training) in order to develop some theoretical insights and practical guidance on how they can be leveraged to foster the strategic alignment of training.     

运用平衡计分卡成功实施企业战略

平衡计分卡从财务、顾客、内部运作流程、以及学习与成长四个角度选择测评指标,对战略进行精确的描述,并为经理人员提供一个全面的框架,用以把公司的战略目标转化为一套系统的绩效测评指标,从而帮助企业在产品、程序、顾客和市场开发等关键领域取得突破性进展,把公司的长期战略和短期行动联系起来,有效地保证企业目标的战略性实施。成功实施平衡计分卡的要素包括高层管理人员的决心、支持和参与;跨部门团队合作;链接企业战略和绩效管理、能力发展、浮动薪资;以及把人力资源管理专员提升到战略高度,使之成为企业高层管理人的合作伙伴,保证平衡计分卡的成功实施。     

基于平衡计分卡的企业绩效评价体系的构建

平衡计分卡是绩效管理中行之有效的管理方案,它打破了传统的单一使用财务指标衡量业绩的方法,既包含了财务指标,又在此基础上加入了未来驱动因素。运用平衡计分卡的基本思想,从财务、客户、内部流程、学习与发展四个方面构建以平衡计分卡为核心的企业绩效评价体系,把绩效考核的地位提升到企业的战略层面,并对绩效评价体系的应用提出合理的建议。