Lessons Learned: Evaluating the Role of a Balanced Scorecard in the Strategic Management of a Translational Science Research Institution

Abstract

The balanced scorecard is a valuable strategic management roadmap for optimal performance that organizations may adapt to various environments through thoughtful design and execution. The evaluation unit at the University of California San Diego Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute developed, refined, and implemented a BSC tailored to its academic research environment. The big-picture value of the scorecard approach has been its ability to incorporate direct “customer/stakeholder” insights; increase capacity to align and re-align initiatives and bring them back to the funding institution’s changing goals and priorities; and strengthen inter-group collaborations and emphasis on “learning from within.”