Designing a Performance-Oriented Governance Mechanism: A Multicriteria Framework for Strategic Resource Allocation in Public Higher Education

This article proposes a performance-oriented governance framework for strategic resource allocation in federal universities using the PROMETHEE II multicriteria method. The study addresses the challenge of unsystematic resource distribution in the final stage of the budgetary process, reframing budget allocation as a strategic decision-support mechanism and replacing discretionary practices with a transparent approach. The methodology is grounded in objective criteria reflecting the institutional mission of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across teaching, research, and outreach. The hierarchical framework includes quantitative indicators and quality criteria, while the weighting scheme is derived from real budgetary decentralization matrices to mitigate subjectivity. Application of the model at a Brazilian federal university campus demonstrated its capacity to generate a clear ranking of departments and an allocation flow proportional to their performance, embedding performance signals into internal financial dynamics. Sensitivity tests confirmed the robustness of the method under varying weighting scenarios. The results suggest that this multicriteria approach not only optimizes financial distribution but also serves as a strategic governance tool, promoting accountability and institutional efficiency in the public sector. This framework provides a scalable solution for enhancing resource management in complex educational environments.