A prActicAl guide Benchmarking in european Higher education

APQC further advocates that benchmarkers should :
• Know and abide by the Benchmarking Code of Conduct.
• Have basic knowledge of benchmarking.
• Prior to contacting partners, have determined what to benchmark,
identified key performance variables to study, recognized superior
performing companies, and completed rigorous self-assessment.
• Have a questionnaire developed, and share it in advance if requested.
• Possess the authority to share and are willing to share information
with benchmarking partners.
• Work through an agreed upon schedule.
The Benchmarking Code of Conduct also includes guidelines for partners
in benchmarking exercises in which (potential) competitors are
involved. In this case, it is advisable to establish specific ground rules in
advance. It is important not to ask competitors for sensitive data or put
pressure on partners to provide such data. An ethical third party could
help to assemble and remove competitive data. In any case, APQC
advises that information received from benchmarking partners should
always be treated as internal communications.
Guidelines - Procedures/operations should:
• Be clearly documented using a transparent methodology which is
communicated both inside the institution and among benchmarking
partners
• Be supported with adequate human, financial and other resources to
carry out the benchmarking exercise
• Where appropriate, be implemented by carefully selected and trained
experts in assessment/evaluation work
• Be established so as to process data in a well-structured way
• Ensure a periodical monitoring/review of the effectiveness of the
benchmarking process and its value in implementing changes at the
relevant level within the participating institutions (measuring outcomes)
A Practical Guide - Benchmarking in European Higher Education
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