Investigation of effectiveness of balance scorecard implementation in Umma University, Kenya

Abstract

The success of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) is the bedrock of the growth in the human capacity required in the growth of an economy. However, HEIs have been criticized for not playing their rightful role in national development, partly due to their inability to manage their performance in view of the dynamic and turbulent environment they are operating in. This study aimed to investigate the level of effectiveness of implementation of Balanced Scorecard (BSC) in Umma University in Kenya. The study aimed to identify the level of implementation of BSC from the point of view of administrative and academic staff of Umma University, Kenya. The research followed an analytical approach and the questionnaire was used as a research tool. The sample consisted of two strata, administrative (50) and academic staff (80). The results showed that the sample’s level of implementation of BSC was different; learning and growth and customer were good whereas internal procedures and finance perspectives needed improvement for Umma to be equally competitive. Regarding the perception of the administrative and academic staff on the implementation of BSC, there was statistical significant difference. On the learning and growth, both staff had a positive perception. However, on internal procedure, customer and financial perspectives, the administration viewed them differently from the academic staff. The study recommended the university’s management to embark on continuous orientation of staff using business intelligence implemented by the university. Further, integrating BSC at both macro and micro levels such as communication with senior leadership. Umma should decentralize the organizational structure to enable feedback and cross exchange of ideas. Further research should shed more light on individual’s readiness to embrace BSC as implemented by the university and more evaluation measurements be developed which are education- cantered.