In many organizations it is considered of vital importance to translate its vision and strategy into objectives, to determine the best means of achieving these and to review the results – with participation from all members, from management to shop floor. The objective of this study was to make a first test of a method that could be applied for verbalizing and communicating a common vision and identify critical objectives concentrating on nonfinancial measures in an academic research organization. Being a rather heterogeneous multidisciplinary centre the focus was on critical issues, which could promote organizational alignment. Three different systems that could be applicable were identified: Balanced Scorecard, hoshin kanri and ProMES. A design team was formed to formulate objectives and measurements. They found that it was a far from easy task to identify relevant objectives for the organization and especially to establish their different importance. The discussions led to a more common view and agreement about issues that had to be given more attention. (Less)