Perspective Paper – An Index for Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): A Lens to Probe the Performance Drivers of Research in Commercial Agriculture
Prabath Chaminda Abeysiriwardana 
Udith K. Jayasinghe-Mudalige
Abstract
Research work carried out in any institution could be meaningfully administered, and the outputs generated rendered more rewarding for its key stakeholders, if a set of critical success factors (CSFs) are outlined ex-ante. When CSFs are neither clearly identified nor practised in a vital sector such as commercial agriculture, difficulties arise with timely monitoring and evaluation, and tallying the achievements with intended Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – particularly the goal of ‘zero hunger’. This article proposes a Key Performance Index (KPI index) that takes into account CSFs that would aid in evaluating the success of research linked with commercial agriculture development. How such an index is used to facilitate monitoring of scarce resource utilisation and internal processes of research institutes, and thereby support evidence-based decision-making to sustain a conducive research culture is explored with a special focus on underutilised performance drivers (e.g., societal development and environmental sustainability) in line with agriculture research.
Keywords: Commercial Agriculture, Research Institutes, Performance Management, KPI, KPI Index
Volume 13, Issue 2
December 31, 2022
Pages: 109-135
DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/cbj.v13i2.126
Suggested citation:
Abeysiriwardana, P.C. & Jayasinghe-Mudalige, U.K. (2022). An index for key performance indicators (KPIs): A lens to probe the performance drivers of research in commercial agriculture. Colombo Business Journal, 13(2), 109–135. http://doi.org/10.4038/cbj.v13i2.126
Prabath Chaminda Abeysiriwardana
Research and Innovation Section, Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka
Udith K. Jayasinghe-Mudalige
Department of Agribusiness Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka
