Thesis, civilekonomprogrammet, School of Management and Economics at Växjö University, Logistics, FE3094, spring 2009 Author: Patrik Schultz 840222 Tutor: Helena Forslund Title: Performance management process at Wica Cold – towards an improved performance in the order-to-delivery process Background: Performance measurement and the management of it have become of great importance for organizations in order to compete in today’s business environment. The performance management process at Wica Cold AB is not very well developed and they would know like to know how it can be developed in order to improve performance in the order-to-delivery process. Performance in this thesis covers the aspects of efficiency, quality, deliveries, time, flexibility and improvements. The PM-process is in this thesis seen as measures used, collection and analyzing of data and make use and take action based on the measures. How to make use of the measurement information, what should be measured and that lack of resources is an important aspect for the PM-process in SMEs like Wica are the main problems identified. Objectives: The objectives are to describe the PM-process at Wica Cold and the corresponding performance in the OTD-process. Furthermore the objectives are to find ways to develop the PM-process in order to improve performance in the OTD-process, also taking into consideration the characteristics of a SME regarding the PM-process. Methodology: This thesis is a case study and it is both descriptive and explanatory. The main scientific perspective in this thesis is the positivistic and it has a deductive approach. Data is mostly collected through semi-structured interviews. The scientific credibility is secured by interviewing employees at different positions, consider many views (theory, the benchmark study at Getinge Disinfection and the variety of data collection at Wica) and by gather all relevant information for the thesis on my hard drive. Results, conclusions: The current PM-process only has a few measures and it is not communicated to the employees very well. The performance in the order-to-delivery process is satisfying but can in many ways be improved. The PM-process can develop with some new measures and some small changes and additions in the current measures. One main aspect in this regard is to measure the amount of guarantee claims and percentage of orders delivered on time instead of only costs for backorders and guarantee claims. The measures should be published on a board on the shop floor as a way to make use and take action based on the measures. Meetings every other week should be in place to discuss ideas from employees and the value-added time. This improves performance since it highlights important aspects and common problems and a way to improve that performance can be found. The characteristics of a SME are taken into consideration for instance by limiting the amount of measures used and by making them simple and easy to collect.

<p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>Thesis, civilekonomprogrammet, School of Management and Economics at Växjö University, Logistics, FE3094, spring 2009</strong></p><p><strong>Author:</strong> Patrik Schultz 840222</p><p><strong>Tutor:</strong> Helena Forslund</p><p><strong>Title:</strong> Performance management process at Wica Cold – towards an improved performance in the order-to-delivery process</p><p><strong>Background:</strong> Performance measurement and the management of it have become of great importance for organizations in order to compete in today’s business environment. The performance management process at Wica Cold AB is not very well developed and they would know like to know how it can be developed in order to improve performance in the order-to-delivery process. Performance in this thesis covers the aspects of efficiency, quality, deliveries, time, flexibility and improvements. The PM-process is in this thesis seen as measures used, collection and analyzing of data and make use and take action based on the measures. How to make use of the measurement information, what should be measured and that lack of resources is an important aspect for the PM-process in SMEs like Wica are the main problems identified.</p><p><strong>Objectives:</strong> The objectives are to describe the PM-process at Wica Cold and the corresponding performance in the OTD-process. Furthermore the objectives are to find ways to develop the PM-process in order to improve performance in the OTD-process, also taking into consideration the characteristics of a SME regarding the PM-process.</p><p><strong>Methodology:</strong> This thesis is a case study and it is both descriptive and explanatory. The main scientific perspective in this thesis is the positivistic and it has a deductive approach. Data is mostly collected through semi-structured interviews. The scientific credibility is secured by interviewing employees at different positions, consider many views (theory, the benchmark study at Getinge Disinfection and the variety of data collection at Wica) and by gather all relevant information for the thesis on my hard drive.</p><p><strong>Results, conclusions:</strong> The current PM-process only has a few measures and it is not communicated to the employees very well. The performance in the order-to-delivery process is satisfying but can in many ways be improved. The PM-process can develop with some new measures and some small changes and additions in the current measures. One main aspect in this regard is to measure the amount of guarantee claims and percentage of orders delivered on time instead of only costs for backorders and guarantee claims. The measures should be published on a board on the shop floor as a way to make use and take action based on the measures. Meetings every other week should be in place to discuss ideas from employees and the value-added time. This improves performance since it highlights important aspects and common problems and a way to improve that performance can be found. The characteristics of a SME are taken into consideration for instance by limiting the amount of measures used and by making them simple and easy to collect.</p>

Principal-Agent Theory has been used by researchers to understand relationships among different professional groups and explain contractual arrangements and performance management between organisations. Use of principal-agent theory in research within primary care is limited. This study uses the principal-agent theoretical framework to attain a better understanding of performance management in primary care. The relationship between managers and primary care clinicians is explored. The study uses the main theoretical assumptions of information asymmetry and goal alignment to explain the findings. Case study methodology was used to explore the research question. Purposive sampling techniques using the following datasets were used to select participants: practice size; percentage South Asian population; levels of deprivation; and relative performance on selected national productivity performance indicators. Managers were selected based on their corporate responsibility for organisational performance or role in performance management within the organisation. Twenty six formal recorded interviews were carried out with various directors, managers and clinicians across NHS East Lancashire and NHS North West. Interviews were transcribed and organised using NVIVO 8 software and analysed using matrix analysis techniques. There is confusion between performance measurement and performance management. The terms are often used interchangeably. The NHS tends to focus on things that are easy to measure at the risk of omitting important aspects of care that are more difficult to capture. Soft performance intelligence such as: training, multidisciplinary teamwork, communication and shared vision are just as important as tangible metrics. Three primary care performance management systems emerged from the findings: The Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF), the Practice Development Framework (PDF) and the Better Care Better Value (BCBV) Productivity Performance Framework. Performance indicators do not always reflect quality outcomes. This can lead to poorer outcomes for patients especially if dependent on incentives. The study addresses the research question through analysis of the following themes: Understanding performance management; Use of performance management systems; and Barriers to performance management in primary care. A common understanding of performance management is required across all stakeholders. Clear, strategic direction and consistent interpretation of organisational objectives at all levels is essential to achieve goal alignment. Soft intelligence and qualitative measures need to be considered as well as tangible metrics. Clinical engagement and ownership are key factors to achieving goal alignment. Trust between principal and agent affects the degree to which information asymmetry is overcome. Appropriate use of incentives, good communication and strategies to overcome the problem of information asymmetry and address ‘professional superiority’ improves goal alignment. Achieving the right balance between accountability and clinical autonomy is important to ensure governance and financial balance without stifling innovation. Goal alignment depends on quality and accuracy of information and robust targets to avoid misunderstanding and misinterpretation of information and inadvertent use of incentives. Principal-agent theory suggests goal alignment is achieved by applying the underlying assumptions of the theoretical framework. In complex systems like the English NHS, it is likely that only partial goal alignment will be achieved. The degree of achievement depends on the number and level of alignment of individual factors.

This thesis addresses a new management approach - "Corporate Performance Management" (CPM). It sets forth the concept of this new approach as a business performance monitoring and strategic support tool, its assumptions, framework, components, relationship to business intelligence, and related methodologies. Particular focus is placed on "key performance indicators" (KPI), their characteristics, segmentation, methods for their selection, and implementation procedures. The theoretical part of this work is devoted to creating a methodology by which CPM can be effectively implemented on projects in the financial sector with an emphasis on the critical success factors of such a project as a whole. The primary elements of this methodology are the selection of the best possible metrics, the project's overall success and the development of efficient reporting. The practical part of this work initially introduces "Project KPI 2008", which ran in Komerční banka (Czech Commercial Bank), then pits it against the theoretical methodologies defined in the theoretical section. The entire project is then assessed based on the results of the comparison, and finally, conclusions and recommendations are made for the future of this project. The main asset of this thesis is its creation of the afore-mentioned management methodologies and the ideal, course to be taken in implementing a KPI-focused project. This work is valuable not only for investigating key performance indicators themselves, but also as an informative tool for managers who would like to acquaint themselves with or learn more about the CPM concepts in general.

Thesis (MPA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2016 / The Performance Management System (PMS) was introduced in the public sector in order to maximise optimal performance of public institutions. The aim was to ensure that public institutions deliver services to the public effectively and efficiently. The Limpopo Department of Public Works has received bad audit opinions from the Auditor General for the financial years 2011/12 to 2013/14. The Department received the following audit opinions: a disclaimer audit opinion for the financial year 2011/12, a disclaimer audit opinion for the financial year 2012/13 and a qualified audit opinion for the financial year 2013/14. The study sought to investigate the manner in which PMS was being implemented in the Limpopo Department of Public Works. A literature review, undertaken in this study shows that there are challenges in implementing the PMS in the public sector, that there is inadequate general understanding of the PMS and that there is no adequate training provided. Data was collected through questionnaires and documentary sources of annual performance plans and annual reports for the financial years 2011/12, 2012/13 and 2013/14. The responses collected from the questionnaires mainly indicate that the PMS is not adequately understood in the Department. The annual performance plans and annual reports of the Limpopo Department of Public Works for the financial years 2011/12, 2012/13 and 2013/14 indicate that the Department did not achieve even 50% of its targets in the core directorates. Further findings in the study indicate that the implementation of the PMS has not impacted positively on the performance of the Department. Recommendations made in the study include providing training linked to the PMS to all employees. Other recommendations include the communication of the departmental targets to employees at all levels.

Background and problems: The research field of performance management and measurement has primarily focused on financial aspects for a long time, with measurement being the focus. Performance management systems integrate both the aspects of control and measurement, resulting in a broad research area. The lack of research combined regarding the role of the staff manager within the system creates a gap that needs to be explored. Purpose: The purpose of the study is to make a theoretical contribution to the field of performance management systems. The contribution is to examine the role of the staff manager in an implemented performance management system and the achievement of organizational goals. Method: To fulfill the purpose, a qualitative research method with an abductive research approach was used. The study is a case study conducted at Handelsbanken, where the empirical data collection is based on six semi-structured interviews and an internal document.    Conclusion: The role of the staff manager is crucial and more central than previously believed in effectively using a performance management system and achieving organizational goals. By communicating the mission and vision and linking them to the employees' daily work, the system can be efficiently utilized. Daily work is monitored through evaluations, which serve as a fundamental control mechanism in the system.  By strengthening the alignment between employees and the organization, it can result in more desirable organizational outcomes. This can be achieved through a clearer reward system and linking the employees' daily work to the achievement of office goals.

Human resources management is a key aspect in Public Administration. In fact, it is argued that people are indeed the most valuable resource to any organisation. However, it is imperative to note that having people within an organisation does not automatically translate into results. Success within an organisation stems from implementing best practice human resources management. Performance management is one of the aspects involved in streamlining human resources management in an organisation. The foundation of this research is therefore based on the realization that performance management is a key factor to achieving results in Uganda’s public sector. Similar to several other countries, Uganda’s public sector has gone through various transitions and reforms. The performance management system that stands in the current public sector is a result of the reforms in the public sector. In order to understand the environment in which public servants operate, this research starts by giving a background to the history of the public sector and the evolution of the public service through the public service reform programme. Attention is then drawn to the theoretical framework by way of identifying the standards required in any given performance management system. Based on these identified standards and the research objectives, an evaluation of the implementation of performance management in Uganda’s public sector is discussed with specific reference to the Ministry of public service. The final chapter of the research gives critical recommendations to improve public sector performance management in the Ministry of public service and the Ugandan Public service as a whole. The research findings indicate that performance management policies in Uganda’s public sector are founded on the right and basic principles of performance management. However, critical measures should be put in place to address the actual implementation of performance management in the public sector in order to improve results. / Public Administration / M.A. (Public Administration)

Human resources management is a key aspect in Public Administration. In fact, it is argued that people are indeed the most valuable resource to any organisation. However, it is imperative to note that having people within an organisation does not automatically translate into results. Success within an organisation stems from implementing best practice human resources management. Performance management is one of the aspects involved in streamlining human resources management in an organisation. The foundation of this research is therefore based on the realization that performance management is a key factor to achieving results in Uganda’s public sector. Similar to several other countries, Uganda’s public sector has gone through various transitions and reforms. The performance management system that stands in the current public sector is a result of the reforms in the public sector. In order to understand the environment in which public servants operate, this research starts by giving a background to the history of the public sector and the evolution of the public service through the public service reform programme. Attention is then drawn to the theoretical framework by way of identifying the standards required in any given performance management system. Based on these identified standards and the research objectives, an evaluation of the implementation of performance management in Uganda’s public sector is discussed with specific reference to the Ministry of public service. The final chapter of the research gives critical recommendations to improve public sector performance management in the Ministry of public service and the Ugandan Public service as a whole. The research findings indicate that performance management policies in Uganda’s public sector are founded on the right and basic principles of performance management. However, critical measures should be put in place to address the actual implementation of performance management in the public sector in order to improve results. / Public Administration and Management / M.A. (Public Administration)

The purpose of this study was to determine which specific resources contribute to the strategy-to-performance gap of small businesses trading in the Pietermaritzburg metropolitan area, from a resource-based perspective of strategic management. The research was prompted by a study conducted by Marakon Associates, the purpose of which was to investigate how successfully companies translate their strategies into performance and what steps they take to close the resulting strategy-to-performance gaps. The main reasons advanced for poor strategy-to-performance results are inadequate or unavailable resources. The research design in the study is quantitative and descriptive in nature. The data was collected from a structured questionnaire comprising of 18 questions emailed to the owners using LimeSurvey. The findings of the survey show that the businesses surveyed lack resources, which leads directly to strategy-to-performance gaps. The most important resources they lack are financial and human resources. / Business Management / M. Tech. (Business Administration)

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie is om die huidige prestasiebestuurstelsel van die Universiteit van Stellenbosch te evalueer en om verbeterings aan te beveel. Die volgende navorsingsdoelwitte is dus bespreek: bepaal of uitsonderlike prestasie beloon word; stel vas of personeellede in die huidige prestasiebestuursproses glo en dit ondersteun; identifiseer die knelpunte in die prestasiebestuurstelsel van die Universiteit van Stellenbosch; bepaal die kenmerke van en vereistes vir doeltreffende prestasiebestuurstelsels; ontwerp ‘n model wat toesighouers in die toekoms as wegspringblok kan gebruik om prestasie as deel van hul daaglikse aktiwiteite te meet; bepaal die potensiële verwantskap tussen prestasie en vergoedingsvlakke; en bemagtig Menslike Hulpbronne om die vergoedingsbeleid konsekwent toe te pas. Eerstens word eietydse literatuur bestudeer om die verskil tussen prestasiebeoordeling en prestasiebestuur te bepaal. Beste praktyk vir prestasiebestuur word deur die literatuuroorsig geïdentifiseer sodat die Universiteit van Stellenbosch dit in die toekoms kan implementeer en sodat die slaggate waarin ander instansies getrap het, vermy kan word. Ander hoër onderwysinstansies word geëvalueer om bestaande stelsels ten volle te begryp en te bepaal waar die Universiteit van Stellenbosch kan verbeter. Data van die 2006-2007 en 2007-2008 prestasie-evalueringstydperke is gebruik om te bepaal of daar ‘n korrelasie is tussen individuele prestasiepunte en bonusse wat ontvang is. Laastens word ‘n elektroniese vraeboog aan alle permanente personeellede aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch versprei word om te bepaal wat die huidige persepsie van prestasiebestuur by bogenoemde instansie is. Die resultate (verwys Tabel 4.4) toon aan dat die Universiteit van Stellenbosch as geheel nie aan die vasgestelde prestasiebestuurbeleid voldoen nie. Sommige personeellede wat ‘n prestasiepunt van 3 en laer behaal het, het ook bonusse ontvang. ‘n Bonus vir ‘n prestasiepunt van 3 kan nog regverdig word as ‘n erkenning vir harde werk. Die Universiteit van Stellenbosch streef ooreenkomstig sy vergoedingsbeleid daarna om ‘n verwantskap tussen prestasie en vergoeding te bewerkstelling deur tussen uitsonderlike, gemiddelde en ondergemiddelde presteerders te onderskei. Dit is duidelik dat die Universiteit van Stellenbosch se beleidsdokumente (vergoeding en prestasiebestuur) uitgevoer word en weldeurdag is. Opleiding, wat saam met opvoeding bevorder word, verseker ‘n hoë vlak van begrip vir prestasiebestuur, die ontwikkeling van die nodige vaardighede en waardering vir die waarde wat prestasiebestuur tot ‘n organisasie kan toevoeg. Die voorgestelde prestasiebestuursmodel (verwys Tabel 5.2) sal verseker dat behoorlike voorbereiding gedoen word (standaard werkprosedures en opleiding) met opvolgaksies (kritiek en hersiening) om te verseker dat die model saam met die organisasie groei. Die huidige prestasiebestuurproses (die hoe) is onsuksesvol. Aandag kan egter aan die proses geskenk word deur opleiding en heropleiding en deur meer finansiële hulpbronne beskikbaar te stel om te verseker dat gepaste verwantskap tussen prestasie en vergoeding geskep word. Verskeie prestasiebestuurprogramme (elektroniese weergawes) is beskikbaar. Dit is vir die toekoms uiters belangrik om elektroniese bestuursmetingsprogramme te implementeer en om die proses hierby aan te pas. Gereelde kommunikasie hou personeel ingelig en verseker dat die verskillende stadiums van prestasiebestuur plaasvind. Die idee dat prestasiebestuur alledaags en tydrowend is moet in ‘n kultuur van maklike en doeltreffende prestasiebestuur omskep word. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to critically examine the current situation regarding the performance management system at Stellenbosch University and make recommendations for improvement. This was done by looking at the following research objectives: determine whether outstanding performance is rewarded; investigate whether staff members believe in and support the current performance process; identify barriers to the performance management system at Stellenbosch University; determine characteristics and requirements of effective performance management systems; design a model that can be used in future as a starting point for supervisors to measure performance as part of their daily activities; determine the potential link between performance and remuneration levels; and empower Human Resources to consistently enforce the remuneration policy. Firstly, contemporary literature was reviewed to understand the difference between performance appraisal and performance management. Best practices for performance management were identified through the literature review to ensure that Stellenbosch University implements those in future and to steer away from the pitfalls other institutions have experienced. Other higher education institutions were evaluated to fully understand what is in place and where Stellenbosch University can improve. Data from the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 performance evaluation periods were used to determine whether a correlation exists between an individual’s performance mark and receiving a bonus. Lastly, an electronic questionnaire was distributed to all permanent employees of Stellenbosch University to determine the current perception of performance management at this institution. The results (refer Table 4.4) indicate that Stellenbosch University as a whole does not comply with the set policy regarding performance appraisal. There were employees who received performance v marks of 3 and below who also received bonuses. Performance marks of 3 can be justified and seen as a “thank you for your hard work”. In terms of Stellenbosch University’s remuneration policy, the University strives to establish a link between performance and remuneration by differentiating between outstanding, average and below average performers. It is clear that Stellenbosch University’s policies (remuneration and performance management) are in place and well thought through. Training, running concurrently with education, ensures a high level of understanding of performance management, the development of the required skills and an appreciation of the value that performance management can add to an organisation. The proposed performance management model (refer Table 5.2) will ensure that thorough preparation is done (standard working procedures and training), with a follow-up action (critique and revision), to allow this model to evolve with the organisation. The current performance management process (how) is not successful. However, it can be fully addressed through training and re-training, and by making more financial resources available to ensure an appropriate linkage between performance and remuneration. Several performance management programmes (electronic versions) do exist. Moving forward, it is vital to implement electronic measuring programmes in conjunction with the re-alignment of the process. Regular communication will keep employees informed and will ensure that the different stages of performance management take place. The idea that performance management is mundane and time-consuming must be changed to a culture of easy-to-do and effective performance management.