Publications
Publications
- November 2016 (Revised March 2018)
Strategy Execution Module 9: Building a Balanced Scorecard
By: Robert Simons
Abstract
This module reading explains how to construct a strategy map and build a balanced scorecard. Using an internal value chain model, the module illustrates how a balanced scorecard can support and enable customer management, innovation, operations, and post-sale service processes. The analysis provides details on how to design performance indicators to monitor financial goals, customer goals, internal process goals, and learning and growth goals. The module discusses how these measures provide a comprehensive set of tools for monitoring strategy execution. The module concludes by discussing how to assign accountability for balanced scorecard measures to individual managers to ensure focus and alignment throughout the organization. While this module is designed to be used alone, it is part of the Strategy Execution series. Taken together, the series forms a complete course that teaches the latest techniques for using performance measurement and control systems to implement strategy. Modules 1 - 4 set out the foundations for strategy implementation. Modules 5 - 10 teach quantitative tools for performance measurement and control. Modules 11 - 15 illustrate the use of these techniques by managers to achieve profit goals and strategies.
Keywords
Management Control Systems; Implementing Strategy; Execution; Performance Measurement; Strategy Map; Business Goals; Customer Measures; Strategy; Balanced Scorecard; Business Model
Citation
Simons, Robert. "Strategy Execution Module 9: Building a Balanced Scorecard." Harvard Business School Module Note 117-109, November 2016. (Revised March 2018.)