Undertaking a Benchmarking Project

This information is provided as a guide to establishing, undertaking and reporting on a benchmarking project.

Choosing an appropriate Benchmarking Partner

If benchmarking is to be undertaken with a partner, it is desirable that the benchmarking partner should have:

• A mission comparable to that of CQUniversity
• Comparable operations to those of CQUniversity (e.g. multi campus)
• Have a comparable mix of disciplines taught.
• Be an institution with proven success in the areas against benchmarking is to be undertaken.
• Be at least a peer level research institution.  (Note: Aspirational level institutions may also be advantageous).

Creating a Benchmarking Partnership

Refer to the relevant Memorandum of Understanding Procedures and Template available on the IMPortal.

Due to the nuances in international operations around cultural and governance issues, if the partner in the MOU is an international provider you will be well served to seek advice and support from the International Office.

Remember also that legal advice relating to business of the University can be obtained by emailing legaladvice@cqu.edu.au.

Benchmarking Task Checklist

Developing a benchmarking project for a specific purpose requires planning, a Suggested Task Checklist (word doc) is provided to assist your considerations.

Benchmarking Code of Conduct (American Productivity and Quality Center)

This internationally accepted standard provides detailed guidelines for organisations in conducting their benchmarking activities. Adherence to this code contributes to efficient, effective, and ethical benchmarking. Download the Code of Conduct.

American Productivity and Quality Centre website:
http://www.apqc.org/search/apachesolr_search/code%20of%20conduct

Reporting and Communication of findings from a Benchmarking Project

Reports on benchmarking projects may include:

• An Introduction to the project;
• Information on selected benchmarking methodology;
• Data sources and collection methods;
• Gap analysis and best practice observations;
• Recommendations that include a cost/benefit analysis of any recommended enhancements.

Approval or support for any enhancements to be implemented will need to obtained through appropriate management and committees. (e.g. VCAC, Council, ECAB, RECAB, Academic Board, Faculty EDAC).   Development of a Project Plan for  actions and implemation will assist to keep the project on task during implementation.  Monitoring of implementation and progress of enhancement objectives will be required, as will reviewing if the enhancements have achieved the desired improvements.  These actions should form part of the benchmarking team's Action and Implementation Plan and provided to the appropriate management and committees when requesting approval for enhancement implementation.

Communicating the outcomes of the benchmarking project and enhancement outcomes is necessary to not only advise of changed procedures, but also to share the good practices with other areas of the University, who through internal benchmarking may also be able to learn from the project to make enhancments within their area.

Remember to lodge your findings on the Benchmarking Register to assist with your communication efforts.