The Balanced Scorecard as a Strategic Cost Management Tool: Insights from a Portuguese Small and Medium Enterprise

The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is a strategic management framework that offers an integrated view of organizational performance, supporting managerial control and enhancing long-term competitiveness. While traditionally applied in large enterprises, its adaptation to smaller industrial firms is both relevant and viable, especially considering the operational challenges these firms face – such as limited resources and lack of formalized management systems. This study adopts a case study methodology focusing on a small industrial enterprise. Data collection involved interviews with the company’s manager, yielding both financial and non-financial information. Quantitative data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, while qualitative insights were structured around the central research question. A strategy map was developed, featuring two strategic objectives per BSC perspective, along with associated indicators, targets, and initiatives. The findings emphasize the BSC’s value as a strategic planning and control tool in resource-constrained environments, contributing to improved decision-making. Moreover, the study adds to existing literature by demonstrating the practical relevance of the BSC in uncertain and economically challenging contexts.