Performance Budget

Definition

A performance budget is a budget that reflects the input of resources and the output of services for each unit of an organization. It lays out the link between proposed funds and the expected results of these funds. Its purpose is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization by linking funds allocated to measurable results.

Phonetic

The phonetics of the keyword ‘Performance Budget’ are:Performance: /pərˈfɔːrməns/Budget: /ˈbʌdʒɪt/

Key Takeaways

1. Allocation Based on Performance: Performance budgeting is a system where funds are allocated based on the performance of an organization, program, or project. It aims to improve the effectiveness of public expenditure by linking the funding of public sector organizations to the results they deliver, making them accountable for their performance.
2. Facilitates Better Decision Making: Performance budgeting can improve decision-making process as it provides detailed information on the expected outcomes and outputs of each department or program. This knowledge of what each allocation accomplishes, allows policymakers to make informed decisions on where to invest or de invest, ensuring efficient use of resources.
3. Ensures Transparency and Accountability: By measuring the performance of public agencies, performance budgeting ensures transparency and accountability. The public can see where their tax money is being spent and what results are being produced. Furthermore, it helps governments to evaluate their own performance, identify operational inefficiencies, and take corrective measures.

Importance

A performance budget is an essential business/finance tool because it links the funds allocated in a budget to expected results or outcomes in an attempt to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations. This approach not only facilitates the allocation of resources based on identified goals but also allows for accountability and performance evaluations. Allocating funds based on the expected performance can result in better resource management, highlighting areas of achievement and areas that need improvement. This type of budgeting helps to enhance productivity, improve operational planning and decision-making processes, and fosters transparency in resource allocation within an organization.

Explanation

A performance budget serves as a comprehensive financial planning and evaluation tool that details the expenses for specific activities connected to an organization’s goals and objectives. Its primary purpose is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of a company’s operations by linking monetary allocations with measurable results. By using this type of budget, companies can better understand the financial costs of each component of their operations and the return on investment each component provides. Performance budgets are beneficial for making informed business decisions regarding resource allocation. They can provide valuable insights that help determine whether an organization is putting its resources to optimal use. For instance, having a clear understanding of which activities lead to the most revenue can help a company focus its resources on these areas. Similarly, knowing which activities are not as productive makes it easier to make necessary budget cuts or adjustments. Thus, performance budgets serve as strategic guides for resource allocation and business improvement.

Examples

1. Education Department: Many educational institutions or departments, such as a school or university, have a performance budget that allocates funds based on performance indicators. These could include student graduation rates, standardized test scores, or the number of students that receive scholarships or other awards. This kind of budgeting ensures that funds are directed toward the most effective programs and resources, leading to overall better performance in education. 2. Healthcare Sector: In the healthcare sector, a performance budget might tie funding to specific measurable outcomes such as the rate of successful surgeries, the number of patients successfully treated, or the percentage of patients who return for follow-up treatments. By connecting funding to these performance indicators, hospitals and healthcare organizations are incentivized to deliver the best possible care and improve their services. 3. Government Agencies: Many government agencies, such as the Department of Transport, also use performance budgeting. The budget may be set with regards to the agency’s effectiveness in maintaining infrastructure, reducing traffic congestion, or improving public transport services. This allows the agency to better allocate resources and focus on areas that require improvement or more attention.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Related Finance Terms

• Zero-Based Budgeting
• Variance Analysis
• Operating Budget
• Capital Expenditure
• Financial Forecasting

Sources for More Information

• Investopedia
• WallStreetMojo
• AccountingTools
• Finance Strategists