Balanced Scorecard Perspectives on Financial Sustainability at a Small Private University in Canada

About the Role

Private higher education institutions have been a focus of scholars because of their increasing closures due to the lack of financial sustainability. Researchers have demonstrated these closures limit society’s choices in higher education and have yet been able to explore the perceptions of leaders of a small private university in Canada regarding their university’s financial sustainability.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore these perceptions using Kaplan and Norton’s balanced scorecard conceptual framework to analyze its four perspectives, particularly its financial perspective.

Methodology

Using the qualitative, descriptive, single case study, data from these leaders were collected from focused interviews.

Key Findings

• The importance of international students to grow enrollment
• Support services needed by the international students
• The agile architecture structures required to provide services such as writing and language support, housing and visa support, and mental health and well-being support

Implications

Small private universities in Canada may benefit from the results of this study demonstrating the need for enhanced support services for the international students who are critical to their financial sustainability, and thus the retention of more choices in institutions of higher education in Canada.