Document details

The balanced scorecard as a strategic cost management tool: insights from a portuguese small and medium enterprise

Author(s): Fernandes, Joana ; Fernandes, Ana ; Leite, Joaquim

Date: 2025

Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10198/36174

Origin: Biblioteca Digital da UPB

Subject(s): Performance measurement; Cost Management; Balanced Scorecard (BSC); Small and Medium Enterprise (SME); Case Study; Portugal.


Description

The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is a strategic management framework that offers an integrated view of organizational performance, supporting managerial control, and enhancing long-term competitiveness. While traditionally applied in large enterprises, its adaptation to smaller industrial firms is both relevant and viable, especially considering the operational challenges these firms face – such as limited resources and lack of formalized management systems. This study adopts a case study methodology focusing on a small industrial enterprise. Data collection involved interviews with the company’s manager, yielding both financial and non-financial information. Quantitative data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, while qualitative insights were structured around the central research question. A strategy map was developed, featuring two strategic objectives per BSC perspective, along with associated indicators, targets, and initiatives. The findings emphasize the BSC’s value as a strategic planning and control tool in resource-constrained environments, contributing to improved decision-making. Moreover, the study adds to existing literature by demonstrating the practical relevance of the BSC in uncertain and economically challenging contexts.

Document Type Journal article
Language English
Contributor(s) Biblioteca Digital da UPB
CC Licence
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