[qwerty49]

BC I understand the scope of your post, but there is a small flaw, which is related to the stereotype of a for-profit business.

Let’s not forget that there are non-profit organizations that cannot always rely on the largesse of donors to cover shortfalls. Optimizing resource allocation (and utilization) becomes the key, and ultimately this kind of exercise has that as a primary goal.

And on a smaller scale, many for-profit organizations take on pro bono work to meet other objectives.

Even before you mentioned it, I wondered if academia should be in the scope of an operational review. Far too many land mines and sacred cows down that road, as you rightfully point out. 

I’ll just say one more time - more transparency and crisper accountability are needed. I don’t think it’s right for us to hide behind the fog of bureaucracy.

[qwerty49]

BC I understand the scope of your post, but there is a small flaw, which is related to the stereotype of a for-profit business.

Let’s not forget that there are non-profit organizations that cannot always rely on the largesse of donors to cover shortfalls. Optimizing resource allocation (and utilization) becomes the key, and ultimately this kind of exercise has that as a primary goal.

And on a smaller scale, many for-profit organizations take on pro bono work to meet other objectives.

Even before you mentioned it, I wondered if academia should be in the scope of an operational review. Far too many land mines and sacred cows down that road, as you rightfully point out. 

I’ll just say one more time - more transparency and crisper accountability are needed. I don’t think it’s right for us to hide behind the fog of bureaucracy.