As 2024 comes to an end, we encouraged The KPI Institute (TKI) employees to reflect on the lessons they have learned and the goals they aim to achieve in 2025, celebrating progress and preparing for a brighter year ahead.

In this article, we feature some of the responses from our dedicated employees as they share their reflections on the year that was and the goals they are setting for the future. May their insights serve as a reminder that, no matter the obstacles, collective strength, creativity, and determination will shape a better tomorrow.

Daniela Vuta

Head of Publications

1. What is one skill you developed or improved this year that you’ll carry into the new year?

I consider communication to be one of the most essential skills for a leader. No matter how much one studies this field, there is always room for improvement and refinement. This year, I have concentrated on enhancing my leadership communication skills by cultivating balanced empathy, practicing active listening, demonstrating assertiveness, and effectively resolving conflicts.

2. What strategies or habits helped you overcome challenges this year?

The year 2024 brought its fair share of challenges, which our team successfully overcame. As a leader, I embraced full responsibility and commitment, particularly when external factors disrupted the team. Key elements in supporting our success included effective planning, meticulous attention to detail, and maintaining a comprehensive vision of our operations. 

3. What’s your professional new year’s resolution for 2025?

My aspiration for 2025 is to fully refine and elevate my leadership abilities, with these efforts clearly reflected in the accomplishments of the team I lead. This includes achieving strategic objectives, successfully executing planned initiatives, and, most importantly, making a meaningful and active contribution to the professional growth of each team member.

Cristina – Elena Craciun

Strategy and Performance Specialist

1. What is one skill you developed or improved this year that you’ll carry into the new year?

It’s been a year of constant changes, challenges, and joyful successes. Returning from maternity leave and adding work changes has proven this year to be the year of adaptability.  Today, I am proud to say I am aware of, and I not only accept but cherish changes.

2. What strategies or habits helped you overcome challenges this year?

My best strategy, which I’ve used for years, is not getting stuck. I accept things as they come and move on embracing the future. A good habit I’ve tried to nurture is seeing the good in everything before speaking my mind. Dull, I know, but it is a good exercise connecting mind and heart for a purpose that benefits everyone.

3. What’s your professional new year’s resolution for 2025?

Well, I do wish for a better version of me. Until now, I have wanted to develop knowledge in at least two new subjects and learn new skills in already-known areas. Last, but not least, I aim to improve my online communication skills.

Len Cristobal

Chief Editor

1. What is one skill you developed or improved this year that you’ll carry into the new year?

I’ve become more familiar with the basics of data visualization and analysis through the Certified Data Visualization Professional and Certified Data Analysis courses of The KPI Institute. I hope to further apply what I’ve learned, along with insights from external sources, in content development for Performance Magazine and TKI’s platforms and areas where data-driven decisions can help improve performance, streamline processes, and support strategic planning.

2. What strategies or habits helped you overcome challenges this year?

Being more flexible and maintaining open communication. Flexibility helped me adapt quickly when things changed. Open communication kept me aligned with my team and others. By discussing challenges and working together on solutions, we stayed focused and kept moving forward.

3. What’s your professional new year’s resolution for 2025?

Nothing specific comes to mind yet, but for now, approach your work with purpose and positivity, while maintaining openness and discipline.

Frichette Ann Talania

Junior Business Research Analyst

1. What is one skill you developed or improved this year that you’ll carry into the new year?

This year, I focused on improving my research skills, particularly in the areas of employee performance, evaluation, and benchmarking—fields that were initially unfamiliar to me.

2. What strategies or habits helped you overcome challenges this year?

I faced the challenge of adapting to new research fields, areas I wasn’t initially familiar with. I made time to learn continuously, whether by reading whatever I could find online or attending meetings with my senior or manager. I also leaned on my senior and other teammates for feedback and collaboration, which gave me new perspectives and helped me improve quickly. Lastly, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable pieces kept me from feeling overwhelmed.

3. What’s your professional new year’s resolution for 2025?

My professional new year’s resolution for 2025 is definitely to be able to work on tasks independently, without needing help from seniors. I don’t aim for a promotion anytime soon, but I want to ensure I fulfill my duties and exceed the expectations of my manager and seniors. Additionally, being able to contribute to other tasks and teams would be great.

Maryan Hamadeh 

Jr Training Specialist 

1. What is one skill you developed or improved this year that you’ll carry into the new year?

Besides taking the Certified Training Professional course this year, I have made a great improvement in prioritizing and organizing tasks, working under pressure, and communicating with colleagues. Moreover, my shift to the new position made me more involved in the Instructional Design work instead of merely translating course materials.

2. What strategies or habits helped you overcome challenges this year?

Taking notes, making to-do lists, and using Asana more often has helped me a lot. Furthermore, when working on urgent tasks that have a short deadline, I try to find solutions to organize and submit the tasks on time instead of stressing about the situation.

3. What’s your professional new year’s resolution for 2025?

I currently don’t have resolutions for 2025 as this year has been stressful for me, but I do wish that I keep working at the same pace and try to grow in the company.

Uncertainty may continue to be a part of our journey as we step into 2025. But one thing remains clear: TKI is here to assist and support you through whatever challenges lie ahead. Together, let’s embrace change, navigate challenges, and continue to move forward with a shared commitment to excellence and growth. 

Stay connected with TKI for updates, insights, and support throughout the year by following The KPI Institute on LinkedIn. Join the conversation, engage with our community, and be part of the journey!

Performance Magazine, the business publication of The KPI Institute, has partnered with the Global Performance Audit (GPA) Unit to release the Business Excellence Edition. This comprehensive resource explores the latest trends, strategies, and tools for refining performance management systems, optimizing organizational capabilities, and achieving sustainable growth.

Drawing on The KPI Institute’s over 20 years of expertise as a global leader in performance management research and education, this edition showcases the GPA Unit’s maturity model frameworks. These globally recognized tools provide structured methods for evaluating and enhancing key performance areas, forming the foundation of the issue’s actionable insights.

The cover story, “Closing the Strategy-Execution Gap: A Fundamental Step for Business Excellence” by Cristina Mihăiloaie, highlights the importance of aligning processes, principles, and people to overcome critical challenges in strategy execution. This alignment is presented as a cornerstone of achieving long-term success.

The In-Depth section examines core themes like strategic planning, performance measurement, and fostering a performance-driven culture. Featured articles include:

• “Enhancing Organizational Success: Best Practices for Strategic Planning” by Daniela Vuta, Kirolos Wassef, and Cristina Mihăiloaie
• “Performance Measurement: The Core Pillar of Performance Management” by Cristina Mihăiloaie
• “The Role of Maturity Assessments and the GPA Unit’s Proprietary Framework” by Doina Popovici
• “Building a Performance-Driven Culture: The Silent Forces Behind Meaningful Results” by Andra-Teodora Gorski
• “Understanding the Impact of Continuous Engagement on Employee Performance Management” by Silvana Badita and Doina Popovici

Meanwhile, expert interviews provide additional perspectives, featuring insights from industry leaders on strategies to navigate market shifts, implement advanced metrics, and build cultures of continuous improvement. Real-world success stories demonstrate how organizations have utilized the GPA Unit’s maturity assessments to enhance agility, decision-making, and resilience.

A new section called At the Core was introduced in this edition to tackle fundamental concepts in strategy and performance management. The articles include “The Five Levels of Organizational Maturity From a Performance Management Perspective” and “How to Conduct a Strategy and Performance Management System Maturity Assessment.”

With its emphasis on practical guidance and industry expertise, Performance Magazine serves as a valuable resource for executives, managers, and professionals striving for business excellence.

The digital version of Performance Magazine’s Business Excellence Edition will be available soon for free on the TKI Marketplace, while the print version can be purchased now on Amazon.

In its third year, the Government Services Index (GSI), published by The KPI Institute (TKI), continues its mission to contribute to the improvement of government service delivery standards worldwide, providing a comprehensive evaluation framework to enhance efficiency and service quality for citizens. 

The GSI 2024 aims to serve as a vital tool for policymakers by providing a benchmark for assessing public service performance across countries and offering insights into service delivery strengths and weaknesses, thereby guiding better decision-making. Researchers can also benefit from its comprehensive data for further studies. By highlighting top performers and identifying areas for improvement, it encourages governments to adopt innovative practices and prioritize citizen-centric approaches.

The Index not only highlights top-performing nations in each region and dimension but also reflects a meticulous development process to ensure its rigor and reliability. Extensive research involved analyzing over 100 scholarly articles and 40 global indices to identify critical areas of public service quality. Additionally, a comprehensive review of more than 900 indicators was conducted to select the most relevant and credible measures. By aligning the GSI with internationally recognized indicators, it provides a robust framework for comparing government services across diverse regions. 

Key dimensions of the GSI 2024

Covering 122 countries–expanding from 107 countries in the GSI 2023–across five world regions: America, Europe, Asia and Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East, the GSI 2024 incorporates data from 30 carefully chosen indicators aligned with its five key dimensions: 

• Future Readiness – the capability of government entities and institutions to adjust, innovate, and efficiently respond to the changing demands and challenges of future societies
• Digitalization – the significance of leveraging technology and transforming how citizens engage with public services
• Governance – fulfilling the government’s responsibility to create and execute policies that foster national development while upholding efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, and integrity
• Society Welfare – the government’s initiatives to minimize inequalities and improve the quality of life for individuals and communities through various programs and policies
• Citizen Experience – the combination of interactions, perceptions, and experiences citizens have when engaging with government entities, including online platforms, in-person services, representative dealings, and civic participation

With its global reach and comprehensive methodology, the index empowers governments to enhance their services, ensuring they meet the dynamic needs of citizens in an ever-changing world by diving into the current performance of governments worldwide and providing a forward-looking assessment of their preparedness to tackle the challenges of 2025 and beyond.

Where do governments stand today?

In an era of rapid transformation driven by new technologies, emerging trends, and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), governments worldwide are in continuous navigation of adapting to changes to deliver high-quality public services since societal needs are evolving as well. In the 2024 GSI, let’s explore a bit how governments are performing currently.

The Government Services Index (GSI) recognizes Finland, Denmark, and Singapore as the top three performers across five key dimensions of public service delivery, the same top-performing countries as in the GSI 2023. These countries are all classified as high-income, with two located in Europe and one in Asia and Oceania.

Finland ranks first globally in Governance (95.77) and Citizen Experience (96.31), while Singapore is the leader in Future Readiness (86.99). Denmark, though not ranking first in any specific area, excels in Digitalization (90.23) and Governance (95.70), securing second place in both. All three countries exceeded global and regional averages, with improved scores compared to the previous year.

The success of these nations can be attributed to their effective governance, advanced digitalization efforts, and comprehensive social policies. Citizens in these countries express strong confidence in their government’s ability to foster prosperity and improve well-being.

Finland is renowned for its transparent and inclusive governance that provides high-quality services, supporting employment, safety, and overall quality of life. The country’s focus on digitalization has minimized bureaucratic hurdles, which enables self-service and fostering a connected society. Furthermore, Finland upholds a human rights-centered foreign policy that promotes equality and prevents exclusion.

Offering efficient public services through advanced digital administration, Denmark stands out for its commitment to digitalization. Its government’s emphasis on digital infrastructure and cybersecurity, along with strategies that encourage democratic engagement and social inclusion, strengthens public service performance. Moreover, Denmark’s universal welfare model ensures equal access to essential services, effectively reducing inequality.

Singapore is recognized for its strategic planning and forward-thinking approach. The government prioritizes adaptability, introducing new policies to improve resilience. By investing in sustainability, digitalization, and future-ready skills, Singapore is capitalizing on growth opportunities and preparing its citizens for the future. The country’s citizen-centric governance ensures high-quality services and increasingly fosters active citizen participation.

To learn more about the detailed rankings, trends, and strategies shaping the future of government services, download the full free digital copy of the Government Services Index 2024 through the TKI Marketplace. An additional printed copy can be also purchased via Amazon. Get the report today!

The KPI Institute launched a series of free infographics called KPI of the Month to offer insights into the practical application of KPIs. Each infographic focuses on a particular key performance indicator (KPI) that provides explanations of terminology and addresses key challenges related to its use. The monthly infographics include definition, calculation, balanced scorecard focus, data profile, targets, and practical recommendations. 

Throughout the year, we have diligently tracked performance and growth, culminating in this comprehensive review of Quarterly KPI highlights. As we dive into the 2024 last quarter’s key metrics— % Expansion revenue, # Focus time, and $ Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA)—these insights may offer valuable guidance for shaping strategies, improving productivity, and driving financial success in the year ahead. 

As you set your sights on 2025, these KPIs offer actionable insights for optimizing performance across various business areas. Whether refining customer engagement strategies, enhancing operational efficiency, or boosting financial outcomes, understanding and leveraging these metrics can help start the new year on the right foot and position your organization for continued success. So, let’s take a closer look at each of these metrics.

KPI of October: % Expansion revenue – This indicator measures revenue from upselling and cross-selling to current customers, relative to total revenue for the reporting period. Its purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies for increasing customer spending. For more details about this indicator, download the free poster via TKI Marketplace. 

KPI of November: # Focus time – This indicator measures the duration employees can maintain focus on critical work tasks without distractions to assess and optimize workflows, ensuring they foster greater efficiency and higher-quality results. How can organizations help employees improve # Focus time? One of the best practices is to encourage designated “no meeting” periods to allow for focused, uninterrupted work. Access more insights into this indicator by getting a free copy of the poster via TKI Marketplace.

KPI of December: $ Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) – This indicator “measures a company’s operational profitability, before accounting for interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization costs.” Its purpose is to evaluate financial stability and operational effectiveness. To learn more about how to utilize this metric and its practical applications, get a free copy of the poster from TKI Marketplace.

This holiday season, unwrap a wealth of knowledge and expand your understanding of KPIs with a treasure trove of examples from various industries and functions. Explore the world’s largest database of KPIs and customizable dashboards—visit smartKPIs.com today and gift your business the insights it needs for success in the new year!

The Business Excellence Edition of Performance Magazine explores actionable strategies and insights for driving continuous improvement as organizations strive to evolve from good to great and ultimately achieve excellence. This edition presents how leading organizations meet high standards in operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and workforce development, offering a comprehensive view of what it takes to excel in a competitive business landscape.

A series of expert interviews in this edition sheds light on the experiences of industry leaders from diverse fields, addressing questions on breakthrough strategies, aligning goals, and the evolving landscape of performance management. Their insights show how sectors can improve their adaptability in the face of market fluctuations and integrate advanced metrics to maintain a competitive edge.

With real-world examples, Performance Magazine offers practical guidance on achieving sustained business results. Success stories illustrate how organizations have undergone performance management system maturity assessments, showcasing their approaches to staying agile, making data-driven decisions, and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement. Here are some of the highlights:

• Cover Story: “Closing the Strategy-Execution Gap: A Fundamental Step for Business Excellence” by Cristina Mihăiloaie
• In-Depth: “From Compliance to Excellence: The Role of Maturity Models” by Bori Péntek
• In-Depth: “Redefining Leadership for a Complex World: Leading Organizational Culture Transformation and Maturity” by Andra-Teodora Gorski 
• Ask Our Experts: “How crucial do you perceive leadership’s role in fostering a culture of performance excellence within an organization?” by Muhammad Ali Moustafa

A top-notch resource for executives, managers, and professionals striving for sustainable growth, Performance Magazine Issue No. 31 – Business Excellence Edition can be downloaded digitally for free on the TKI Marketplace or purchased in print on Amazon.

Stay tuned for more updates on the release by following The KPI Institute’s LinkedIn page.

On October 15th, 2024, The KPI Institute hosted an exclusive webinar titled “Navigating the Landscape of Strategy Planning and Execution in the Age of Transformation,” which brought together industry leaders and professionals for an insightful discussion on the latest trends in strategy management.

During the session, The KPI Institute unveiled key findings from the State of Strategy Management Practice Report 2024, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by organizations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The webinar provided an in-depth look at the evolving landscape of business planning, performance management systems, and the execution of strategic initiatives, which offer valuable insights for organizations looking to navigate the complexities of transformation in today’s dynamic business environment.

The session featured expert speakers from The KPI Institute and Systaems:

Cristina Mihăiloaie is a Strategy and Performance Management Expert and Chief Operating Officer at The KPI Institute. Her professional background centers on research, product development, and knowledge sharing within strategy and performance management. Over the past 12 years, she has played a key role in establishing best practices and standards for utilizing and maximizing key performance indicators (KPIs) in organizations disseminated through research publications, academic articles, and educational programs.

Bori Péntek is a Management Consultant at Systaems who specializes in organizational development and human resource management. She assists businesses in aligning their strategies, processes, and practices with their core values, prioritizing human and social well-being. With a background in recruitment, human resources, and operations management across various sectors, including sustainable construction, research, and education. She is an Associate Lecturer at Babes Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Webinar highlights

The webinar’s agenda centered on the key dilemmas organizations face in strategy planning, performance management, and execution, providing valuable insights into the challenges that often  hinder effective strategy implementation.

Dilemma 01: Deliberate vs. Emergent Strategic Planning. The State of Strategy Management Practice – 2024 MENA Region report indicates that 76% of professionals claim to have formal and regular strategy planning and 56% of respondents review strategy annually or every 3 years. Given these statistics and Cristina’s experience as an advisor, she pointed out that the predominant practice in the MENA region is Deliberate Strategy Planning. Further to the discussion, Bori shared her perspective on why Deliberate Strategy Planning is complicated to achieve success, “Mostly it [Deliberate Strategy Planning] offers an illusion of stability that it is not there anymore in the external or internal environment. A lot of things have to work very well for the deliberate strategy to work.”

Dilemma 02: Balanced Scorecard System vs. Objectives and Key Results Frameworks. Since common challenges in working with KPIs for MENA organizations imply difficulties in selecting relevant KPIs, to ensure alignment and collect data, the discussion between our experts led to questioning if a particular framework is better suited to address these challenges. Bori outlined, “Irrespective of whether you use Balanced Scorecard (BSC) or Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), you’re going to have these challenges. It’s not about selecting one system and just going along with it. It’s about leveraging the strength of each system by thinking wisely about where they can be used.”

Dilemma 03: Success vs. Failure in Strategy Execution. Insights from the State of Strategy Management Practice – 2024 MENA Region report show that most respondents (42%) listed ineffective cross-functional collaboration as the top reason for strategy failure. It is followed by a lack of leadership support (40%), slow decision-making and approval 33%), and insufficient resources for projects to succeed (33%). 

To address cross-functional collaboration, Cristina advised nurturing the right “rituals:” “Procedures become quickly obsolete, but rituals are what we do and how we do it, are the unwritten rules that govern the workplace. It’s not necessarily about the work procedure, it is more about how people come together and  get things done.” She added that the rituals we want to build are to create multidisciplinary teams rather than work in silos, to have regular performance meetings and use KPIs to understand the business better, to challenge ourselves constructively, and to promote transparency and collaboration in problem-solving.

The webinar ended with a question-and-answer session where the featured speakers addressed questions about the link between strategy and culture, underestimated factors for strategy execution success, the risk of not aligning KPIs across the organization and many more. An extended Q&A document is currently being prepared for release with extremely interesting perspectives.

From key findings in the State of Strategy Management Practice Report 2024 to practical advice on overcoming obstacles in strategy management, the webinar provided valuable takeaways for organizations looking to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced business environment.

If you missed the live session, watch the full video of the webinar on The KPI Institute’s official YouTube channel. Click here to watch the webinar now!

Utilities such as electricity, natural gas, and water and sewage services are the backbone of modern society, supporting everything from basic daily activities to critical infrastructure. Without these essential services, communities would struggle to function, and economies would come to a halt. 

In the latest release of the Top 25 KPIs report series, The KPI Institute dives into the critical key performance indicators (KPIs) essential for managing vital utility services. As the demand for efficient and sustainable service delivery continues to rise, understanding and leveraging the right KPIs is more important than ever. 

The Top 25 KPIs 2024 report series is an extensive collection of the 25 most commonly utilized KPIs from various industries and functional areas. The KPIs are curated based on viewership data from smartKPIs.com between January 2023 and April 2024, this series provides a snapshot of the latest trends in performance measurement.

Inside the report, readers can find a comprehensive analysis of the Performance Measurement Concept Framework, the most recent data on KPI challenges and usage contexts, and 10 strategies for successful KPI implementation. Moreover, each KPI featured has been thoroughly revised through extensive research to ensure that the information accurately captures the latest trends and changes in the evolving business environment. The 2024 edition also offers an enhanced documentation template that is optimized to present the most pertinent details about each KPI.

Whether readers are looking to enhance operational efficiency, reduce downtime, or deliver superior customer satisfaction, the Top 25 KPIs for utilities provide a comprehensive framework for driving performance improvements in this dynamic industry. In each report, let’s take a quick look at the top five KPIs for water and sewage, electricity, and natural gas.

Top 5 Water and Sewage KPIs 

1. # Wastewater collected and treated –  measures the total volume of wastewater collected and treated in the reporting period
2. # Water Quality Index – measures the quality of water based on five parameters – Temperature, Biological Oxygen Demand, Total Suspended Solids, Dissolved Oxygen, and Conductivity
3. # Days of treatment plant operation below standards – measures the number of days during which the water treatment plant operates below established performance standards
4. # Time to repair hydrants – measures the average time taken to repair a broken or inoperative hydrant
5.  % Non-revenue water (NRW) –  measures the percentage of water that enters the distribution system but is lost before reaching customers and not billed, out of the volume of water supplied

Learn more about the practical applications of the indicators above, as well as the other top 20 KPIs for the water and sewage sector, grab a copy of the Top 25 Water and Sewage KPIs – 2024 Edition report. It is available for digital purchase via the TKI Marketplace and as a physical copy on Amazon.

Top 5 Electricity KPIs

1.  # System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) –  measures the average number of electricity system interruptions per customer during the reporting period
2.  # Customer Average Interruption Duration Index (CAIDI) – measures the average duration of electricity supply interruptions experienced by customers during the reporting period
3. # Power plant load factor –  measures the ratio of the average load to the peak load in the reporting period
4. # System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) – measures the average duration of electricity supply interruptions per customer, during the reporting period
5. $ Transmission line maintenance cost per network length –  measures the average expenditures incurred with the maintenance of transmission lines relative to the length of the network

Explore more insights about the top 5 Electricity KPIs and other 20 indicators by purchasing the digital copy of the Top 25 Electricity KPIs – 2024 Edition, visit TKI Marketplace. Furthermore, a physical copy can be ordered via Amazon.

Top 5 Natural Gas KPIs

1. # Unplanned pipeline unavailability –  measures the duration, in hours, that a pipeline is not operational for transporting gas due to unplanned circumstances
2. # Customers affected by repeated unplanned supply interruption – measures the number of customers impacted by multiple instances of unplanned supply interruption in the reporting
3. # Pipeline subjected to leak surveys (km) – measures the length, in kilometers, of the gas pipeline network that was subjected to leak detection surveys in the reporting period
4. # Gas supply planned interruptions duration – measures the average duration, in minutes, of planned gas supply interruptions experienced by customers in the reporting period
5.  # Gas pipeline temperature excursions – measures the number of gas pipeline temperature excursions recorded during  a specified reporting period

Gain a deeper understanding of the practical use of the top 5 KPIs above and discover the other 20 Natural Gas KPIs. Download a digital copy of the Top 25 Natural Gas KPIs – 2024 Edition via TKI Marketplace or purchase another copy via Amazon.

As the demand for reliable, sustainable services continues to grow, understanding how to optimize utility operations is more critical than ever. Let the Top 25 KPIs 2024 report series from The KPI Institute serve as your guide in selecting the most critical KPIs and tracking your organization’s progress towards its strategic goals.

The KPI Institute is excited to invite you to an exclusive webinar titled “Navigating the Landscape of Strategy Planning and Execution in the Age of Transformation” on the 15th of October 2024 at 11:00 AM (Gulf Standard Time), live online via Zoom.

In this session, The KPI Institute will unveil the latest developments in strategy planning and execution, with a focus on organizations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This event will also reveal recent findings from the State of Strategy Management Practice Report 2024. The KPI Institute will dive into the most pressing issues surrounding business planning, performance management systems, and the implementation of strategic initiatives.

Meet the speakers

Cristina Mihăiloaie 

Strategy and Performance Management Expert 

Chief Operating Officer, The KPI Institute 

Mihăiloaie’s professional background centers on research, product development, and knowledge sharing within strategy and performance management. Over the past 12 years, she has played a key role in establishing best practices and standards for utilizing and maximizing key performance indicators (KPIs) in organizations disseminated through research publications, academic articles, and educational programs.

Passionate about effective strategy planning and performance measurement practices, Mihăiloaie has provided advisory services to organizations in the US, Europe, and the Middle East, and has trained executives across various functions and industries. Currently, she serves as the Chief Operating Officer of The KPI Institute’s Research Division, where she oversees and ensures the alignment of operations with strategy.

Bori Péntek 

Management Consultant, Systaems 

Associate Lecturer, Babes Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Péntek is a management consultant who specializes in organizational development and human resource management. She assists businesses in aligning their strategies, processes, and practices with their core values, prioritizing human and social well-being.

With a background in recruitment, human resources, and operations management across various sectors, including sustainable construction, research, and education, Péntek focuses on improving employee well-being, promoting inclusive cultures, and ensuring organizational resilience and social responsibility. She creates solutions to tackle systemic challenges and foster long-term success.

In her partnership with Babes Bolyai University, she teaches courses such as research methodology, intercultural communication, and self-awareness.

What’s in store for participants

Combining research expertise with practical experience, the guest speakers will provide valuable insights and guidance on key organizational dilemmas and explore innovative solutions in today’s complex business landscape. The webinar’s agenda focuses on Deliberate vs. Emergent Strategic Planning, BSC vs. OKRs, and Success vs. Failure in Strategy Execution. 

In addition to being the first to receive the latest State of Strategy Management Practice Report and gaining insights into current trends in strategy management that can impact organizational planning and execution, participants will engage with seasoned professionals who offer valuable experience to the discussion. They will also take part in lively discussions on contemporary business challenges which provides an opportunity to share perspectives and connect with peers. 

Whether you are a seasoned leader, an emerging expert, or new to the field, this is your chance to learn about how to stay ahead in the rapidly changing world of strategy management. Seats are limited so secure your spot now! To register, click HERE.

The wait is almost over! The State of Strategy Management Practice – 2024 MENA Region Report is set to be released on the 15th of October. This groundbreaking publication aims to equip organizations with up-to-date information, tools, and insights to transform their approach to strategy in an ever-evolving business landscape.

The State of Strategy Management Practice Report is a comprehensive analysis of current trends, challenges, and innovations in strategy management. But it is more than just a collection of data— it is a game-changer for professionals and organizations striving for excellence. Professionals can use the report’s findings as benchmarks to assess and improve their practices and approaches to challenges.

According to Abdelmagid Adam Meezan, a seasoned corporate planning head, the previous State of Strategy Management Practice Report provides a solid foundation for professional processes and practices, which enable organizations to advance and capitalize on opportunities for improvement. Meezan also stated, “This report will greatly benefit my organization in terms of strategic planning, implementation, performance analysis, management, benchmarking, and lessons learned.”

The report may also serve as an invaluable resource for everyone involved and interested in strategic planning and performance management. Mohammed Elrasheed, Strategic Advisor Business Development and Digital Transformation Consultant, shared with The KPI Institute, “While the results may not apply to all organizations, the report is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their understanding and implementation of strategic practices.” He mentioned that he would also recommend the State of Strategy Management Practice Report to entry-level professionals, new to the field. 

Key features of the 2024 Report

The upcoming edition of the State of Strategy Management Practice Report presents the latest developments in strategy planning, measurement, and execution. It focuses on organizations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and covers 24 topics, from strategic planning methods and KPI relevance to organizational agility and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in business planning.

The KPI Institute introduces a new feature called “Voices from the Field” in the report, where a group of experts validates the research findings by providing opinions and insights based on the practices of organizations in the region. Moreover, The KPI Institute collaborates with systæms® for the upcoming edition of the State of Strategy Management Practices Report. systæms® is a division of the KPI Institute that provides management consulting services.  Bori Péntek, a Management Consultant at systæms®, shares actionable advice to enhance strategy and performance management systems in the recommendation section of the report.

The State of Strategy Management Practice report is not just a publication but also a blueprint for navigating the complexities of modern strategy management and The KPI Institute’s passion for performance. According to Cristina Mihăiloaie, Chief Operating Officer at The KPI Institute, The KPI Institute’s passion combined with its research capabilities drive the organization’s mission to empower governments, organizations, and individuals to achieve excellence: “I aspire for our research resources and this report in particular to increase awareness of the significance of fostering a healthy performance management culture within organizations and to serve as accommodation for future development initiatives.” This is reflected in the insights provided in the Strategy Management Practice – 2024 MENA Region Report.

Be among the first to get your hands on the report! Make sure you are subscribed to The KPI Institute’s newsletter and following our social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, or X) to receive the latest updates on the Strategy Management Practice – 2024 MENA Region Report and other publications.

The KPI Institute launched a series of free infographics called KPI of the Month to offer insights into the practical application of KPIs. Each infographic focuses on a particular key performance indicator (KPI) that provides explanations of terminology and addresses key challenges related to its use. The monthly infographics include definition, calculation, balanced scorecard focus, data profile, targets, and practical recommendations. 

To ensure that you stay informed and updated, we highlight in this article the KPI of the Month from the third quarter of 2024, focusing on three KPIs that can significantly impact any organization in any field or industry: # Inventory turnover ratio # Employment brand strength, and $ Customer acquisition costs.   

By examining these metrics, you can gain insights into operational efficiency, market positioning, and overall profitability. Furthermore, organizations can gain a holistic view of their performance and make informed decisions that can position them for sustainable growth and success when the indicators mentioned are fully grasped. So whether seeking to optimize inventory management, strengthen employer brand, or reduce customer acquisition expenses, you can dive into these indicators and discover how they contribute to a thriving business. 

KPI of July: # Inventory turnover ratio – This indicator “measures the number of times the inventory has been sold and replaced within the reporting period.” Based on its practice recommendation, # Inventory turnover ratio is influenced by various factors such as product characteristics, market demand, and business models. Access more insights into this indicator by getting a free copy of the poster via TKI Marketplace.

KPI of August: # Employment brand strength – This indicator evaluates the attractiveness of an organization as a workplace for employees and job seekers based on an index derived from survey responses and quantitative metrics. # Employment brand strength allows companies to tailor their calculation methods by selecting key themes and incorporating both survey data and KPIs. For more details about this indicator, download the free poster via TKI Marketplace.

KPI of September: $ Customer acquisition cost – This indicator determines the average cost associated with acquiring a new customer. It is crucial for companies aiming to achieve long-term profitability. In connection with $ Customer Lifetime Value, $ Customer acquisition cost assesses the cost efficiency of sales and marketing expenditures. By striving for an optimal ratio between these two indicators, businesses can refine their acquisition strategies, boost profitability, and minimize the payback period. To learn more about practical applications for this indicator, get a free copy of the poster from TKI Marketplace.

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