This paper is written in the context of practice at Nottingham Trent University, using elements of its management as example or counterbalance to the literature. The challenge at the heart of the paper is that of practically balancing a managerial and business-focused culture and processes to support the aspirations and motivations of the university, the academic schools and their staff. I will use practical examples of management data, resource planning and information systems and their use, and describe how the Business Review Process supports the institution's need for performance review and allows the schools to link academic vision, localised strategy and business performance. (Contains 7 figures.)