Management by fact: a model application of performance indicators by an educational leadership department

Describes ongoing monitoring of a US department of educational leadership’s performance indices and reports on the processes that support a management by fact (MBF) strategy. Elucidates the university’s key quality indicators (KQI) process. KQI statements were introduced into department course syllabi. Graduates from department graduate education programs were surveyed regarding their perceptions about the KQI outcome statements. Each respondent indicated the degree to which the department had “prepared” them in each of the desired outcomes; and also the degree to which the outcome was perceived to be “relevant” for the conduct of their professional duties. The department learned that strategic planning can lead to cumulative improvements and quality of efforts can be moved forward in higher education institutions through a focus on departmental‐level teaching and learning systems.