A Guide to Board Information Systems

How can a board monitor an institution's performance so members really understand facts and data and their significance without being overwhelmed by information? This booklet discusses ideas and techniques for devising board information systems (BIS) to provide information to trustees on their key aspects of institutional performance that are mission sensitive, strategic, help define the boundaries between governance and management, and take into account the time constraints of board members. The booklet discusses the use of dashboard reports, design principles in preparing these and other reports, the value of specificity, and how trustees can get up to speed in understanding a common base of information.