Staying ahead in today’s competitive environment requires targeted learning. Professional development certifications help future-ready professionals advance their careers, strengthen strategic and performance skills, and maintain a competitive edge.

For over 20 years, The KPI Institute has supported this journey through its training and professional development programs. As a global leader in performance research and solutions, the institute establishes international standards and best practices in practice domains such as strategy, key performance indicators (KPIs), employee performance, customer service, and innovation management. These are reflected in the company’s sought-after programs, most of which are accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses.

Here are the top 10 certifications most pursued by professionals, as reflected in the company’s participation data from 2025:

1. Certified KPI Professional

Professionals learn to identify, select, and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) to turn data into actionable insights. The program provides practical frameworks and tools that can support both strategic and operational decision-making. Participants leave equipped to integrate KPIs effectively into performance management systems. Get more details here.

2. Certified Strategy and Business Planning Professional

Structured strategic and operational planning is at the core of this program. Participants explore environmental scanning, objective formulation, initiative prioritization, and integrated business planning. The frameworks taught help translate strategy into actionable execution. Discover more about the program here.

3. Certified KPI Professional and Practitioner

Hands-on application complements conceptual understanding, allowing professionals to implement KPI systems effectively. Skills include KPI selection, data collection, and performance reporting via dashboards and scorecards. This combination ensures participants can apply insights immediately in organizational contexts. Check out more information here.

4. Certified OKR Professional

The program introduces the methodology of objectives and key results (OKRs) to align teams around measurable goals. Professionals learn to define objectives, set key results, and monitor progress through review cycles. By the end, participants can drive greater organizational focus and accountability. To experience this yourself, you can sign up here.

5. KPI Masterclass

This condensed, practical masterclass focuses on the value of KPIs and their role in performance management. Participants gain hands-on guidance in selection, documentation, and reporting, with real-world examples. The format allows professionals to quickly apply best practices in their organizations. Check out page 11 here.

6. Certified Balanced Scorecard Management System Professional

The balanced scorecard is presented as a holistic framework for executing strategy effectively. Professionals learn strategy mapping, KPI alignment with objectives, and dashboard development for monitoring performance. Participants of this course gain the tools to link organizational strategy with measurable outcomes. Learn more about these concepts here.

7. Certified Data Analysis Professional

Analytical competencies are developed through techniques such as data preparation, exploration, descriptive statistics, and regression analysis. Participants learn to turn raw data into insights that inform decision-making. The program equips professionals to support evidence-based strategies across organizational contexts. Start your data analysis journey here.

8. Performance Management Masterclass

This high-impact masterclass provides a structured overview of performance management systems, including governance and enabling processes. Participants explore emerging trends and practical tools for driving organizational effectiveness. The condensed format ensures participants can quickly integrate performance management best practices into their work. Get 22% off this course and other select programs here.

9. KPI Essentials

Fundamental concepts of KPIs and performance measurement are covered, including terminology, governance, SMART objectives, and KPI lifecycle. Participants learn methods for KPI selection and alignment across organizational levels. By the end, professionals have a solid foundation to manage performance effectively. See page 11 here.

10. Certified Performance Management Professional

Governance and design of performance management systems are explored at corporate, departmental, and individual levels. Participants learn about performance processes, system enablers, and continuous improvement mechanisms. This program prepares professionals to coordinate performance frameworks and drive measurable results. See what else you can get from the program here.

Why These Certifications Matter

As organizations increasingly focus on measurable results, professional development certifications provide professionals with the skills, frameworks, and credibility to accelerate their careers, strengthen expertise in strategy and performance, and stay competitive in a results-driven world.

Professionals looking to advance their careers can explore The KPI Institute’s 2026 training calendars, including Live Online Courses, Face-to-Face Courses 2026 EMEA, and Face-to-Face Courses 2026 SEA.

Wait, there’s more!

The KPI Institute is celebrating 22 years of excellence with a special anniversary deal. You can enjoy 22% off all online courses, pre-recorded programs, and ExEdu certifications. Read further details here.

Don’t miss this opportunity!

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The KPI Institute is a global leader in business performance research and solutions, specializing in practice domains including strategy, key performance indicators (KPIs), employee performance, customer service, and innovation management.

For over 20 years, The KPI Institute has established international standards and best practices for KPIs across both private and public sectors.

What We Offer:

• Certifications & Training: Practical programs delivered worldwide—live online, offsite, and customized—spanning 6 continents and 7 offices in Australia, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
• Knowledge Platforms: Access to www.smartKPIs.com, the world’s largest documented database of KPIs, with over 21,600 examples published and 148,000+ members in our online communities.
• Publications: Over 460 publications, including books, research papers, and practical guides, providing insights to enhance organizational performance.
• Advisory & Implementation Support: Expert guidance to apply insights in practice for measurable impact.

Our Reach and Impact:

• 81,000+ companies registered on our platforms
• 2.5 million+ professionals reached through training and knowledge services
• 128 research client countries and 120 global partner organizations 

Website: www.kpiinstitute.org.

Email: office@kpiinstitute.org

LinkedIn: The KPI Institute

The 2026 State of Strategy Management Practice Survey is live! Gain exclusive resources to strengthen your strategy while sharing your insights on AI, agility, governance, and sustainability in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) organizations. Join the survey here!

Most organizations can create strategies, but they struggle to execute them. Plans are approved and targets set, yet day-to-day realities often derail results. As MENA organizations face rapid change, strategy leaders must do more than plan. They must adapt, execute, and deliver. To capture how organizations are responding, The KPI Institute launched the 2026 State of Strategy Management Practice Survey.

The survey invites strategy and performance professionals across the region to share their perspectives on the challenges most likely to shape strategy execution in 2026. These include artificial intelligence (AI) integration in decision-making, accelerating planning cycles, growing governance and compliance demands, and rising sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) expectations. 

This forward-looking initiative builds on key insights from the State of Strategy Management Practice – 2025 MENA Region report. Last year’s findings revealed a region in transition, with strategic planning becoming more formal and structured, signaling greater maturity in long-term decision-making. At the same time, execution challenges persisted. Confidence in translating strategy into measurable outcomes declined for the second consecutive year, with nearly 80% of professionals reporting firsthand experience with execution failure.

The 2025 data also highlighted an evolution in performance management systems, with organizations increasingly prioritizing agility, alignment, and accountability—while still facing gaps in capability and execution, particularly between large organizations and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Together, these insights underscore a clear message: strong plans are not enough. Execution capability will define organizational success in 2026.

With this, The KPI Institute invites you to share your perspective on emerging challenges in 2026 and welcomes your 2026 strategy prediction. Join the survey now and receive access to exclusive resources, including the Top 25 Strategy and Performance KPIs – 2025 Edition and the State of Strategy Management Practice – 2025 MENA Region report. 

Is your organization prepared for the workforce of tomorrow? The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 reveals that 39% of core skills will change within the next decade. Analytical thinking, creativity, and strategic decision-making will become increasingly critical, while skills once considered essential may no longer meet organizational needs. Companies that fail to adapt risk falling behind, facing reduced productivity, disengaged employees, and slower strategic execution.

These trends highlight a decisive shift: organizations must go beyond traditional tools and processes. Success now requires access to collective expertise, proven frameworks, and strategies to reskill teams effectively. The KPI Institute, a global authority in strategy and performance management, emphasizes that professionals who engage with collaborative networks gain unique opportunities to benchmark practices, exchange insights, and accelerate performance improvements. Being part of such a community provides guidance, credibility, and a practical roadmap for navigating rapidly evolving workforce demands.

The KPI Institute offers structured programs designed to equip professionals for this future:

• Standard Program: Access to smartKPIs.com, KPI dictionaries, and exclusive research previews.

• Insight Program: Full research library access, analyst advisory support, and advanced performance management tools.

• Insight Plus Program: All Insight benefits plus complimentary certification programs, conference entry, and recognition as a professional member of the global network.

Joining The KPI Institute community connects professionals with a global network driving strategic performance standards. Members gain more than resources—they access peer learning, expert guidance, and a platform for continuous development. This engagement helps organizations adapt faster, align teams effectively, and implement evidence-based strategies that drive real results.

In a world where workforce skills are evolving at unprecedented speed, connecting with experts and peers is no longer optional—it’s essential. Explore which program best matches your professional goals and start leveraging the resources and community that will help you and your organization thrive: Sign up here!

How do you navigate a ship when the weather is unpredictable and the map keeps changing?

That’s the dilemma that confronts most organizations today, where volatility, complexity, and perpetual change are the new normal. Under these conditions, successful strategy and performance management are no longer choices, but necessities. Business corporations are being asked to produce quantifiable results, react nimbly, and connect long-term vision to day-to-day action.

To assist professionals in dealing with such demands, The KPI Institute has published the Top 25 Strategy and Performance Management KPIs – 2025 Edition. The definitive report highlights the most effective key performance indicators (KPIs) through evidence-based usage data, empowering decision-makers with facts to fortify their performance architectures and achieve strategic success.

This edition is a part of the Top 25 KPIs – 2025 Edition report series authored by The KPI Institute. This provides new perspectives into implementation strategies of KPI and captures successful performance management practices in industry settings. Ranging across diverse indicators—beginning from Strategic Initiative Completion Rate to KPI Implementation Rate—the report depicts current usage trends developed through the dataset accumulated during the period from January 2023 through April 2024 using smartKPIs.com data.

The KPIs in this report are the most widely used metrics in strategy and performance management, offering practitioners a solid benchmark to measure and improve their existing measurement systems. For a quick overview, here are the top five out of the 25 KPIs from the report:

1. # Performance Management Capability Maturity Level – Measures the complexity of an organization’s performance measurement function and its alignment with international best practices, based on the maturity assessment framework developed by the Global Performance Audit Unit and The KPI Institute.
2. # Strategy Planning Capability Maturity Level – Assesses the complexity of the organization’s strategic planning function and its compliance with international best practices, using the maturity assessment framework developed by the Global Performance Audit Unit and The KPI Institute.
3. % Performance reports produced on time – Tracks the percentage of performance reports submitted as originally scheduled, relative to the total number of reports planned for submission.
4. # Operational performance reviews conducted – Evaluates how many formal assessments are carried out on operational processes, procedures, and outcomes during a specified period.
5. % Active KPIs – Calculates the percentage of KPIs that are actively tracked and monitored, compared to the total number of KPIs selected.

KPIs are the backbone of contemporary performance management. They help organizations track progress, identify problems, and realize strategic objectives. As sectors change and complexity increases, having access to real-time, accurate KPI benchmarks enables organizations to stay flexible and up to speed.

The Top 25 Strategy and Performance Management KPIs – 2025 Edition offers In-depth articles, where you can discover new thought leadership articles that dive into the Performance Measurement Concept Framework, prevalent KPI use challenges, and 10 pragmatic tactics for more effective KPI implementation. It also features improved documentation templates with revised forms that now highlight the most important information of every KPI, making them simpler to comprehend, communicate, and incorporate into performance systems. All KPIs have been extensively reviewed and updated to address the most recent business trends, so the report continues to be a current and useful resource.

Whether you’re revitalizing an existing measurement system or advocating for KPI adoption within your organization, the Top 25 Strategy and Performance Management KPIs – 2025 Edition is an essential resource for keeping pace with performance management best practices. You can download the digital version via the TKI Marketplace or get your hands on the print version by ordering via Amazon. Secure your copy today!

Performance Magazine has reported a remarkable 40% increase in downloads from 2023. Over the last decade, Performance Magazine has established itself as a reliable source for industry know-how, trends, and best practices in strategy, performance management, and data analytics. This milestone not only proves the publication’s long-standing dedication to providing high-quality information, but also demonstrates the growing demand for its insights among professionals worldwide.

In 2023, Performance Magazine rolled out editions centered on the public sector, data analytics, government, and sustainability. As always, the magazine featured industry leaders and top executives from major organizations, such as Eelco van der Enden of the Global Reporting Initiative and Madhur Mayank Sharma, Head of SAP’s AI Services & Accelerator team.

This year, Performance Magazine gave its readers back-to-back releases: the Employee Performance Edition and the Strategy Management Edition. The Employee Performance Edition discusses the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in talent management, democratizing strategy planning, implementing a hybrid performance management system, nurturing holistic performance management, and more. 

On the other hand, the Strategy Management Edition offers insights into practicing strategic leadership in disruptive times, empowering employees for effective change management, and ensuring data accuracy for informed decision-making. The next two editions of Performance Magazine for 2024 are about business excellence and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in strategy and performance management.

Drawing on The KPI Institute’s (TKI) 20 years of experience in performance management, Performance Magazine provides its readers with prime resources, updates, interviews, case studies, expert recommendations, and global perspectives on strategy and performance management. Its first printed edition was launched in April 2015, with TKI’s CEO, Dr. Aurel Brudan, on the cover.

As the magazine gears up for its 10th anniversary next year, enjoy your free access to past editions of Performance Magazine on TKI Marketplace.

What distinguishes a successful company in today’s business environment is its capacity to adapt, innovate, and strategically tackle emerging challenges and opportunities. With change being constant and disruption becoming the norm, organizations must equip themselves with the right knowledge and tools to stay ahead of the curve. This is where Performance Magazine’s back-to-back releases for the first quarter of 2024 come into play: the Employee Performance Edition and the Strategy Management Edition.

The Employee Performance Edition delves deep into redefining employee performance management in the modern workplace. At the heart of this edition lies the cover story, which discusses the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in talent management. It recognizes that equitable treatment and unbiased opportunities not only drive individual performance but also foster a culture of innovation and organizational excellence. Other key topics include democratizing strategy planning, optimizing employee engagement for effective strategy execution, implementing a hybrid performance management system, and nurturing holistic performance management. Download the digital copy from TKI Marketplace or purchase the printed edition on Amazon.

Complementing that focus on employee performance, the Strategy Management Edition offers insights into strategic leadership in disruptive times. Interventions aligned with executing accessible strategies, particularly those that support an adaptive organizational culture and address change resistance, can be found in the cover story. Readers will also learn how to incorporate diverse viewpoints into strategy implementation, empower employees for effective change management, and ensure data accuracy for informed decision-making. Drawing on global insights and innovative approaches to strategy planning and execution, this edition provides organizations with the principles and frameworks necessary to navigate uncertainty and seize opportunities for growth and success. Get the digital copy from TKI Marketplace or order the printed edition on Amazon.

With actionable insights, best practices, and global analyses from industry leaders and experts, Performance Magazine’s back-to-back releases for 2024 provide businesses and professionals with the information and insights they need to stay competitive, resilient, and future-ready. 

From geopolitical turmoil to technological innovation, the modern world is characterized by constant, rapid change. Thus, organizations must take regular stock of strategy management practices to determine whether they are adapting to the sudden dynamism. To aid in this endeavor, The KPI Institute is preparing the State of Strategy Management Practice – 2024, a comprehensive report that examines the most current issues, trends, and challenges affecting strategy planning,  strategy execution, and key performance indicator (KPI) implementation. 

The report gathers data through a survey that covers recent developments in strategy planning, performance measurement, and strategy execution within organizational contexts. Questions will delve into the latest worldwide viewpoints to highlight the varied strategies and performance management methodologies implemented across diverse industries around the globe. 

Professionals participating in strategy planning and execution are encouraged to answer the survey and share their pragmatic insights, recommendations, and best practices. Respondents will receive the following rewards for their participation:

• HR Scorecard
• SmartKPIs.com premium subscription (one month)
• 48% discount coupon for the Certified KPI Professional – Online Course

If you are interested, click here to answer the survey. 

About The KPI Institute

The KPI Institute is a leading global research institute specializing in business performance. It operates research programs in practice domains revolving around strategy and performance management in various contexts such as organizational, governmental, global, or at the personal level.

Insights are disseminated through a variety of publications and subscription services as well as a knowledge platform available to registered members. The KPI Institute generates genuine, forward-thinking ideas to address modern business challenges while promoting best practices and structural and strategic approaches.

According to The KPI Institute’s State of Strategy Management Practice Global Report – 2023, 34% of professionals believe that ineffective change management is a major factor in strategic failure. As the world undergoes dramatic transformations and disruptions, underestimating impactful strategic leadership is no longer an option.

The latest issue of Performance Magazine – Print Edition reveals what lies beneath strategic success in disruptive times, from managing stakeholder engagement to adopting breakthrough technologies to cultivating strategic foresight. To navigate new paradigms of work, organizations delve deep, exploring various perspectives, scrutinizing data, and analyzing risks while taking into account the influence of culture and communication.

As emphasized by one of the experts interviewed in this edition, Jeroen Kraaijenbrink of Strategy Inc., executing a strategy requires organizations to consistently manage relevance, progress, and morale “so that the strategy remains up to date, implementation stays on track, and people remain on board.” Interventions aligned with this approach, particularly those that support an adaptive organizational culture and address change resistance, can be found in the cover story.

For those who want to dive deep into the intricate processes of organizational strategy, this special edition offers nuanced perspectives on planning, development, and execution, all woven with best practices, case analyses, and data-driven discussions. Specifically, readers will find the knowledge and tools necessary to incorporate diverse viewpoints into strategy implementation, empower employees for effective change management, and ensure data accuracy for informed decision-making. Moreover, readers can access a curated collection of multimedia resources tailored for professionals specializing in strategy.

Featuring contributions from expert voices representing diverse backgrounds, including the Netherlands, England, Hungary, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, Performance Magazine’s Strategy Management Edition provides unparalleled insights into modern strategic management challenges. These experts not only offer their unique thoughts but also present actionable recommendations and solutions grounded in their specialized knowledge, extensive experiences, and notable achievements in the field.

Unlock the strategies for success in uncertain times with Performance Magazine Issue No. 29, 2024 – Strategy Management Edition. Grab a digital copy from TKI Marketplace or order the printed edition on Amazon.

Effective governance not only sets rules but also steers a nation toward a shared vision.  This is accomplished by creating a strategy aligned with citizens’ welfare and aspirations and ensuring progress at every step. Therefore, performance management plays a crucial role in measuring, evaluating, and improving the effectiveness of government initiatives and policies. 

The latest PERFORMANCE Magazine Print Edition, published by The KPI Institute (TKI), explores innovative ideas, best practices, case studies, agile approaches, and viewpoints about the use of key performance indicators, benchmarking, strategic planning and execution, and data analysis in the government sector. 

The magazine offers exclusive insights from interviews with performance management practitioners and experts in the government, addressing issues affecting government employees and citizens, like job loss and digital inequality. TKI’s consultants also share their perspectives on other performance management challenges, data empowerment, and digitalization. 

In the cover story, Michael Jacobson, the Deputy Director for Performance and Strategy at the King County Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget in the United States, dives deeper into government strategy and performance management, highlighting the roles of people, processes, and leadership in ensuring efficient and successful public service.

Furthermore, the In-depth section of the magazine delves into crucial aspects of organizational management, covering the newest trends and practices in how organizations formulate and execute strategies, enhance workforce performance, and leverage data for informed decision-making.

One of the edition’s highlights is the coverage of the performance management system maturity assessment conducted by the Global Performance Audit (GPA) Unit of The KPI Institute for the Talent and Performance Management Department of Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund (TDF).

PERFORMANCE Magazine’s Career Insights section presents stories and insights from seasoned performance management professionals in the government who shared their experiences in pursuing careers in public service. Additionally, the magazine shares valuable resources such as statistics, books, software, podcasts, and webinars.

Seize this opportunity to understand how strategy and performance management work in the government sector and gain lessons on leadership, strategic thinking, and adaptability. Grab a digital copy today of the PERFORMANCE Magazine Issue No. 27, 2023 – Government Edition through TKI Marketplace. You can also purchase the printed edition via Amazon. 

Amidst a sea of strategic frameworks and performance modulations, aligning your organizational strategies with validated, global insights is akin to following a lighthouse that guides you toward informed, impactful decision-making. With that in mind, The KPI Institute (TKI) invites you to join our exclusive webinar meticulously crafted for leaders, strategists, and innovators like you. 

The webinar will be held on Nov. 14, 2023, at 7:00 PM (KSA) and is designed to give participants the tools they need to navigate through the crucial findings of TKI’s “State of Strategy Management Practice Report 2023.” The report is a comprehensive research study conducted by TKI, which echoes the current state, challenges, and tactics of organizations across the globe. This webinar will not merely present data, but it will also help you understand how to weave these insights into the very fabric of your strategic endeavors.

What can you expect?

• In-depth insights: Discover key findings from the research report that unveil current and future trends in strategic planning, measurement, and execution.
• Expert narratives: Engage with our seasoned strategy and performance management expert who offers actionable advice to overcome challenges and bolster organizational practices.
• Interactive dialogue: Participate in a rich, collaborative Q&A session, and glean insights from our expert on your topics of interest.

Who is this for?

• Executives and managers who are navigating through the complex webs of decision-making and organizational leadership
• Strategy planning professionals who seek to enhance the depth and impact of their strategy management tools and practices
• Corporate performance management managers who are looking to align organizational performance measurement with emerging global trends and insights
• Business consultants who aim to provide their clientele with informed, data-backed guidance that elevates the effectiveness of performance management systems

Participant gift bag

What’s in the bag? Participants will receive the following gifts:

• State of Strategy Management Practice Report 2023: Access the full report including practical recommendations.
• The Human Resources Performance Scorecard Template: Benefit from a pre-populated performance scorecard that can be populated with other functional area examples or corporate-level objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs).

About the speaker

The webinar will be presented by Cristina Mihăiloaie, a Strategy and Performance Management Expert and the Business Unit Manager of Research Programs at TKI.

Her professional experience embeds research skills with performance management consulting and practical strategy development and execution for TKI’s research division.

In the last 10 years, Cristina has contributed to the development of best practices and standards for using and leveraging KPIs that are taught in the premium certifications of TKI worldwide. She has assisted large organizations in industries like oil and gas, the financial sector, telecommunications, manufacturing, and utilities.

She conducts maturity assessments for strategy and performance management systems and has trained over 500 professionals, gaining first-hand experience on the most stringent issues that organizations are facing.

Join the webinar

Embark on a journey of strategic elevation, where your actions and decisions are not just informed but transformed by a reservoir of global insights and trends. Click the link below to secure your spot in a webinar that promises to reshape your strategic outlook and empower your forward trajectory.

Secure my spot.