"An Integrated Model for Strategic Excellence in Higher Education Institutions" is an Erasmus+ funded project (Reference Number: 2024-1-TR01-KA220-HED-000251854), coordinated by Hitit University under the framework of Key Action 2: Partnerships for Cooperation in Higher Education, supported by the Turkish National Agency. With a total EU grant of 250,000.00 \u20ac, the project runs from 31 December 2024 to 30 December 2026, engaging partners from four participating countries.
A rich body of literature highlights the importance of integrated performance measurement systems in higher education institutions. These systems are designed to better identify strengths and weaknesses by aligning performance metrics with strategic goals. Scholars also emphasize the necessity of embedding unique performance measurement components into university strategic management practices to achieve results-based governance and sustainable excellence (Kaplan and Norton, 1992; Rowley and Sherman, 2001; Speckbacher et al., 2003; Marr, 2008; Gordon and Fisher, 2015; Biondi and Russo, 2022; Sheikh et al., 2022).
However, many studies reveal that current strategic plan executions often lack effectiveness, devolving into fragmented administrative routines in numerous universities. This highlights the pressing need for innovative approaches to strategic planning that incorporate robust performance measurement applications.
To address this challenge, our project aims to support university administrations in developing and implementing strategic plans equipped with tailored performance measurement frameworks. This integrated approach ensures that strategic goals are aligned with institutional performance metrics, enabling a more holistic and results-driven governance model.
Gathering and analyzing data for such performance measurement systems is a complex task, particularly when addressing the diverse dimensions of higher education institutions. These include educational activities, research and development, administrative operations, and meeting the expectations of local and international authorities and stakeholders. By introducing a structured and adaptable model, this project seeks to overcome these challenges, fostering strategic excellence in higher education institutions globally.
