Oslo Prison wins Norwegian government award with SAS solution

The Norwegian Government Agency for Financial Management (SSØ) praises balanced scorecard implementation in prison

OSLO, NORWAY  (Feb. 20, 2007)  –  The Norwegian government has recognized Oslo Prison for work on its balanced scorecard, implemented using performance management software from SAS.

“We are proud to receive this prestigious award,” said Oslo Prison Governor Are Høidal upon receiving the award from Norwegian Minister of Finance Kristin Halvorsen. In his acceptance speech, Høidal highlighted three critical success factors in strategic performance management: patience, belief in the project and solid support from top management.

Høidal also acknowledged the close cooperation between Oslo Prison and SAS in implementing  SAS Strategic Performance Management to build its balanced scorecard. “SAS plays a very important role for the great success of this project,” he said.

The jury provided the following statement on its decision:

The jury has chosen to give its award this year to Oslo Prison. From being described as a "problem prison" due to failure to achieve goals and a financial deficit, Oslo Prison transformed itself by implementing a new performance management system. The balanced scorecard takes a holistic approach, including finance, users, employees and the organization. Oslo Prison now has in place a system that ensures sound management and control of the enterprise. Through clear goals, priorities, support and practical implementation and evaluation, Oslo Prison has demonstrated that it is possible to attain results.

The project is important also for other prisons and public enterprises. Region East and Region South have decided to implement the same performance management system, as has the common prison IT service. This is an important example of how to achieve quality outcomes, a positive work environment and efficiency, as well as effectiveness in meeting user demand and society goals. Oslo Prison's new system has also attracted international attention.

The jury believes that the work conducted in order to implement performance management in Oslo Prison inspires other enterprises to improve their performance management.

The jury was headed by SSØ Director Marianne Andreassen. Other members included Professor Sigbjørn Sødal at Agder University College, Associate Professor Katarina Østergreen at the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration, Division Director Bård Olesen at the Directorate for Health and Social Affairs, and Chief of Expedition Pål Longva of the Ministry of Government Administration and Reform.

The 15 nominees for the SSØ award demonstrate that Norwegian government enterprises are doing exciting work on financial management. They exemplify a broad range within management, from document handling and financial systems to balanced scorecards and IT projects. The nominees were evaluated according to the following four criteria:

• Impact and benefit for enterprise and society.
• Transferability to other enterprises.
• Originality.
• External presentation, such as lectures and papers, to share best practices.

The SSØ award was given out at the SSØ conference, with 450 decision makers and experts in government ministries and enterprises attending.

About SSØ

The Norwegian Government Agency for Financial Management (SSØ) was established by the Ministry of Finance on Jan. 1, 2004. SSØ strengthens financial management within public sector activities and improves resource efficiency within the area. The agency has approximately 270 employees divided among six regional offices and a central unit in Oslo.

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Are Høidal, Oslo Prison Governor, receives the award from Kristin Halvorsen, Norwegian Minister of Finance. 
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