| dc.description.abstract | Public Universities have several characteristics In common that affect the way
performance measurements are designed and used. These characteristics include high
dependency on exchequer for funding, dynamic service environment, and complicated
intellectual work at all levels and the intellectual capital as the most important asset.
The objective of this research was to discuss the key performance measures used in
public universities in Kenya and the problems encountered in implementing the nontraditional
performance measures that were re-emphasized after the introduction of
performance contracts in the public universities some one year ago.
The research includes a review of some latest literature on perfonnance measurement in
public universities. It also contains a description of an empirical study intended to
analyze the commonly applicable measures that have directly contribution to their
competitive position. The empirical study consisted of two focused questionnaires to each
of the six public universities that were analyzed using statistical package for social
sciences (SPSS).
The findings of this survey showed that performance measures are widespread in the
public universities. They indicated that while some universities are giving a preference to
a given measure, they are reluctant to discuss its disadvantages or highlight situations
under which it may not be appropriate. However, the biggest pointer in this research is
that the public universities still use the traditional performance measures more often than
the non-traditional ones. The major concern is how they have been balancing the
demands of autonomy, accountability, expansion, excellence, diversification,
internationalization and indigenization in the face of liberalization and privatization. The
findings also indicated that while research has been a basis of fulfillment of university
mission, there is an increasing threat in the public universities due to lack of resources
and limited applicability to societal needs. | en |
