The Balanced Scorecard focuses on strategy and vision, not on control. 7 Information needs, or desired outcomes from IT systems, that are linked to business goals and objects are identified after developing the critical success factors for each perspective. These outcomes and information strategies are contained in the Learning and Growth Perspective. In a good BSC, they drive performance and link to objectives in one or more of the other perspectives. Figure 5 shows how the BSC can be used as a strategic management system.
Organizations translate their business strategies into objectives for each perspective.
Then they derive measures for the objectives and establish targets of performance. Finally, projects are selected to achieve the objectives. Step 4 describes a method to select projects that provide the greatest value. The arrows indicate the linkage between perspectives and an organization's vision and strategy. 8 A separate BSC for the IT function helps align IT projects and supporting activities with the business strategies.