Designing Strategy Map for Nongovernmental Scientific and Research Institutions Based on Balanced Score Card Model (Case Study: ACECR)

The researchers who proposed balanced scorecard model presented the concept of strategy map in this model for converting intangible assets to the quantifiable benefits. Strategy map tries to represent the organization’s strategy in the framework of cause and effect relationships and demonstrate how the organization’s strategy can be transformed into measurable objectives and certain operations to be followed by organizational units and the staff. To implement its strategies، the Academic Center for Education، Culture and Research (ACECR) as one of scientific and research institutes in Iran requires a strategy map to provide the basic framework for implementing the designed strategic plans. After presenting the methodology of translating strategy into four aspects of BSC، the orientation fundaments of ACECR were explained and one of the strategies were adopted for designing the strategy map in the study. Later، the related literature، references، and opinions of experts were employed to formulate 40 indicators for different aspects of balanced score card model. Afterwards، the indicators were used in a questionnaire، distributed among ACECR managers. Analysis of filled out questionnaires forms by T-test resulted in the selection of 30 indicators to be put in the strategy map، and the resultant ACECR strategy map was inferentially designed since no similar one existed. Subsequently، quantitative measures and objectives were considered for each indicator. Ultimately، after the first year of strategy implementation، the status of this institution was analyzed through the indicators concerned leading to the recommendation of some strategies for successful strategy implementation and the reduction of the exiting gaps.