A Dynamic Viewpoint to Design Performance Management Systems in Academic Institutions: Theory and Practice

Abstract

This article illustrates how to design and apply Performance Management systems in academic institutions by identifying and modeling those factors affecting academic performance through a dynamic performance management view. Particularly, combining performance management with System Dynamics modeling may allow academic decision-makers to better identify key performance drivers for pursuing a sustainable performance improvement in universities. In the second section of the article, a number of examples based on empirical findings from a field project aimed at designing a dynamic performance management model for the University of Palermo (Italy) are discussed.