Significant e-book of papers emanating from Performance Measurement and Management: Public and Private, the 4th International Conference of the Performance Measurement Association (PMA), Edinburgh, July 2004. The conference attracted over 300 delegates from 40 countries hearing presentations on issues as wide ranging as public sector performance, intangible assets and intellectual capital, as well as the design, implementation and use of measurement systems. As the title suggests the conference sought to share and exchange knowledge and insights gained in the Public and Private Sectors identifying similarities and differences. One third of the 160 presentations were made by practitioners. The co-Editors suggest that this e-book reflects the quality of research being undertaken in the discipline as well as the diverse nature of the performance management /measurement field. The e-book includes the conference Best Academic Paper award winner.