Example of a University's Balanced Scorecard

Higher education institutions have embraced the balanced scorecard as a way to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving sector dedicated to providing quality education to students and creating research incubators for professors. This example of a balanced scorecard at UC San Diego shows how the balanced scorecard has permeated into each department to coordinate the delivery of quality education. Below is a sampling of the benchmarks used by the campus bookstore, one of the many members of the educational village, that measures success in terms of human capital and the ability to offer diverse services.

1. Financial Perspective - How do we look to resource providers?

Profitability - percent excess revenue and percent of net revenue Efficiency - retail inventory turnover Leverage - total debt to total assets

2. Customer Perspective - How do customers see us?

Understand needs Ease of ordering Variety/availability Professional Courteous

3. Internal Process Perspective - Are we productive and effective?

Personnel expense as a percentage of net sales Net sales/square foot selling space Net sales/student full time equivalent (FTE)

4. Innovation and Learning Perspective - How do our employees feel?

Influence in the community Know how-to use tools Manage workload Advancement opportunities Valuable training

Example of a Nonprofit's Balanced Scorecard

A balanced scorecard of a nonprofit can look very different from a commercial enterprise as it undertakes activities that serve altruistic ends. This balanced scorecard of the Victoria Cool Aid Society is a great example of the perspectives and objectives of a service organization, whose mission is to operate as a steward for humanity in providing shelter and community health services to adults in need. Notice from this sampling the emphasis on becoming known and trusted in the community both in the eyes of clients and potential donors.

1. Financial Perspective

Actively seek funding to deliver new or expanded services or programs

Diversify funding mix Maintain break even budget and ensure adequate reserves

2. Customer Perspective (Expectations)

Provide support, guidance, and leadership in your fields of expertise "Provide us with opportunities to contribute" Listen to my needs and be there when and where I need you

3. Internal Processes

Learn from our clients in order to advocate solutions within our community Proactively engage stakeholders to communicate who we are and our capabilities Minimize negative workplace environmental factors (number of violent incidents)

4. People Development Perspective

Hire, retain, and train to align resources and competencies Nurture a culture that supports and advocates the importance of work/life balance Foster a culture that embraces innovation, teamwork, leadership, and knowledge-sharing

Example of a Hospital's Balanced Scorecard

Providing care in a hospital emergency department is fast-paced and physically demanding and draws upon a multitude of technologies and interpersonal skills. Here is a sampling from the balanced scorecard of the Ontario hospital system that measures success in the delivery of health care by their emergency departments. The scorecards compare patient outcomes in the various hospitals to discover best practices that can be used to improve patient outcomes and experiences.

1. Financial Performance and Condition - Human resource productivity indicators

% of management and operational support hours % of registered nurse hours % total worked hours

2. Patient Satisfaction - Service and relationships indicators

Overall Impressions - How was the hospital stay viewed

Communication - How well was information communicated with the patient and the family Consideration - Whether the patient and family were treated with respect by doctors, nurses, and other staff Responsiveness - The amount of time they waited to see doctors or nurses and receive test results

3. Clinical Utilization and Outcomes - Clinical performance indicators

Return visit rate for ankle or foot injury patients <=7 days Return visit rate for asthma <=24 hours (adults) Return visit rate for asthma 24-72 hours (adults) Return visit rate for asthma 0-72 hours pediatrics

4. System Integration and Change - Management of change indicators

Clinical data collection and dissemination Internal coordination of care Use of clinical information technology Use of standardized protocols Healthy work environment

Use Examples of Balanced Scorecards to Evaluate Current Measures of Success

The universal appeal of the balanced scorecard is evident by the number of businesses (manufacturing and service-oriented), nonprofits, and governments that have embraced this management system. However, the need for good examples of balanced scorecards has grown as organizations with different business models seek to take advantage of the use of balanced scorecards. Even organizations that have balanced scorecards need to reexamine them periodically to make sure that the ways they measure success still work for their environment. Looking at examples of balanced scorecards is the best place to start.