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Article
Publication date: 6 March 2017

Zhivan Alach

The purpose of this paper is to identify the degree of maturity in performance measurement in a national group of universities.

1893

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the degree of maturity in performance measurement in a national group of universities.

Design/methodology/approach

A model for identifying the level of performance measurement maturity in an organisation was identified; this model consisted of seven constructs. A survey consisting of Likert-scale items derived from the maturity model was then administered to academic and administrative staff at New Zealand’s eight universities.

Findings

The survey showed a relatively high use of performance measurement (usage index 3.47/5), and strong alignment of strategy and performance measurement (strategy index 3.95/5). Research output measures were the most commonly used by academics, whereas measures relating to community service and third role activities were used least. Multiple significant differences between academics and administrators were identified, with the degree of support for performance measurement a particular area of contrast. The overall degree of performance measurement maturity identified was higher than found in similar studies utilising documentary methods.

Originality/value

Performance measurement in higher education is a controversial subject and there has been relatively little research into the basics of how, and how well, universities utilise the approach. This exploratory study helps fill the gap and provides a basis for more detailed research.

Details

International Journal of Public Sector Management, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3558

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Article
Publication date: 13 February 2017

Zhivan Alach

Performance measurement in higher education has attracted substantial attention, often focussing on the applicability and value of performance measurement concepts to the sector…

944

Abstract

Purpose

Performance measurement in higher education has attracted substantial attention, often focussing on the applicability and value of performance measurement concepts to the sector. The purpose of this paper is to use components of a seven-element maturity model to examine the development of performance measurement maturity in New Zealand universities in the period 2008-2013.

Design/methodology/approach

Documentary analysis was the primary approach. A total of 48 annual reports were examined. The focus was the statement of service performance, but all surrounding material was also examined. Each annual report was subjected to a range of quantitative and semi-quantitative analyses.

Findings

Universities have shown strengths in aligning measures to strategic direction, the quality of commentary, and improvement in the use of outcomes frameworks. More variable results have been seen in the breadth and quality of measures, and most importantly, in the use of performance information to guide institutional decision-making. This lack of evolution is likely to be linked to the particular accountability relationships surrounding the universities, which while part of the public sector are semi-autonomous. It is also likely to be linked to academic organisational culture.

Originality/value

There have been few examinations of the use of performance measurement by universities, with most studies focussing less on operational practice than on broader theoretical issues. This study provides useful information about the actual use of performance measurement.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 66 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

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Article
Publication date: 17 August 2012

Zhivan Alach

The purpose of this paper is to develop a better method for prioritising organised criminal groups, utilising the existing literature on organised crime and risk assessment.

711

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a better method for prioritising organised criminal groups, utilising the existing literature on organised crime and risk assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study began with an existing prioritisation model, and then involved a review of relevant literature in the fields of organised crime and risk assessment tools. It was then followed by iterative development of a new tool, the Criminal Group Risk Assessment Model (CGRAM), including semi‐structured discussions with subject matter experts to ensure the validity of the tool.

Findings

There is little agreement on key concepts and definitions of organised crime, and perhaps because of this, a large number of prioritisation tools with widely differing methodologies and guiding philosophies. A better tool can be developed through a closer examination of the academic literature and careful consideration of all relevant factors, including control measures and ease of use.

Research limitations/implications

Research was limited by the unavailability of source material on other risk assessment tools, and in particular any documents explaining the conceptual underpinnings of those tools.

Practical implications

CGRAM provides an easy‐to‐use tool for the prioritisation of organised criminal groups and could be of substantial use to law enforcement agencies worldwide due to its universal approach.

Originality/value

While there are many prioritisation tools around, most of them are constrained by a limited conception of organised crime and a seeming lack of attention to the academic literature. CGRAM, while simple and easy to use, is founded on a sound research base and could provide a universal aid to law enforcement agencies.

Details

Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management, vol. 35 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1363-951X

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Article
Publication date: 22 August 2010

Zhivan J. Alach

The aim of this paper is to identify a way by which the concepts of effects‐based operations (EBO), an approach to problem solving derived from military thought, might be applied…

625

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to identify a way by which the concepts of effects‐based operations (EBO), an approach to problem solving derived from military thought, might be applied usefully to a law enforcement problem, namely methamphetamine in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved analysis of relevant literature in the fields of EBO and systems thinking to identify the core principles for the modelling stage, followed by a series of semi‐structured discussions with subject matter experts to populate the model with relevant and accurate data.

Findings

The methamphetamine ecosystem in New Zealand can be modelled using a system‐of‐systems approach, which is the first stage in a broader EBO approach. The model is complex, involves a broad range of processes, actors, and workflows, and can be constantly enhanced as new information comes to light. Follow‐up stages are required to identify potential targeting opportunities, and will be the subject of later articles.

Originality/value

This study is the first, or one of the first, to attempt to use the concept of EBO to attack police problems. It is thus highly original, and could be extremely useful to other analysts seeking new ways to conceptualise problems.

Details

Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1363-951X

Keywords

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