Performance management framework appraisal of the United Nations Property Management Unit (PMU): A case of the Department of Field Support (DFS), United Nations Headquarters, New York USA.

Abstract

Purpose: The United Nations (UN) Property Management Unit (PMU) under the Logistics Support Division (LSD) of the Department of Field Support (DFS), in exercising effective stewardship over United Nations Owned Equipment (UNOE), sought to develop a Property Management Performance Management Framework. The present research was written to assess the current performance of the Property Management Performance Management Framework (PMPMF) and suggest further improvements. The scope of the PMPMF was also envisioned to be expanded to include other services with emphasis on the overall end to end processes of DFS/UN supply chain.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Both qualitative and quantitative based approaches were adopted in this study. Several Academic literatures were reviewed to develop a robust performance management framework, TOTS Canvas. KPI categorization under the TOTS Canvas includes: Technological, Operational, Tactical and Strategic (TOTS).

Findings: The research provides a novel framework for measuring the overall end to end processes within organizations with special emphasis on supply chain. The research results showed, that 91.2% of the users of the framework agree that the PMPMF has helped their missions to exercise good stewardship over UN assets. Consequently some benchmarking KPIs were identified and deemed as very significant to PMU/LSD/DFS/UNHQ end-to-end Supply Chain. These KPIs were categorized under eight sub-groupings. Other services under LSD were also identified to be included in the expansion of the current PMPMF.

Research Limitations/Implications: Future studies can be conducted to validate the TOTS Canvas in different organizational settings.The envisioned end to end processes of the United Nations supply chain is still ongoing, certain Organizational principles might not be applicable in the near future so it will be vital to conduct further researches to validate the results and findings of this present research.

Practical Implications: The thesis provides robust practical contribution applicable to mainstream supply chain performance management initiatives. This is achievable by applying the TOTS Canvas offered in this research. Practitioners and researchers who seek to identify an extensive end to end performance management involving several downstream and upstream processes can apply the TOTS Canvas

Originality/Value: To the candid knowledge of the researcher, the categorizations of KPIs have not been done in a way reflecting the TOTS Canvas. It's tested with United Nations Supply Chain and proven relevant to PMU/LSD/DFS PMPMF.