A Survey on Practice and Challenges of Balanced Score Card in Higher Education Institutions : A Case Study on Selected Public Universities in Ethiopia

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the practice and challenges of BSC encountered by public higher education institutions as a strategic management tool in implementing their strategic plans. In this research, the researchers used both quantitative and qualitative research approaches in its successful accomplishment. The quantitative frames will be made use of in gathering the necessary data from respondents with closed ended questionnaires and document analysis. A total of 380 questionnaires were distributed to the four public universities: Gondar University, Debre Markos University, Bahir dar University and Wollo University with an equal distribution of 95 respondents. The descriptive statistical tools mostly mean was used to analyze the data collected from the closed ended questionnaires and some document analysis was used. Based on the findings obtained from respondents, it was concluded that BSC is not implemented properly rather it is practiced partially by few employees of the universities in few colleges/schools/faculties/institutions. Respondents raised many challenges for the partial implementation of scorecard such as limited understanding of BSC, lack of training, lack of effective communication, lack of support from top management, etc. To alleviate this problem, the top management of the universities should create awareness, provide training, establish effective communication system, and support the employees for the implementation of the strategy of their university using BSC.