What is Benchmarking?

Benchmarking in universities can best be described using a definition provided by Jackson and Lund (2000):

Benchmarking is, first and foremost, a learning process structured so as to enable those engaging in the process to compare their services/activities/products in order to identify their comparative strengths and weaknesses as a basis for self improvement and/or self-regulation. (p. 6)

and

Some benchmarking practitioners would argue that one of the defining characteristics of benchmarking is that it is a collaborative process [involving] the active participation of two or more organisations or organisational units in a formal structured process that facilitates comparison of agreed practices, processes and performance. (p. 7)

A Framework for Benchmarking

Southern Cross University has approved a Benchmarking Framework that provides guidance to organisational units wishing to undertake comparative or process benchmarking activities.

SCU Benchmarking Framework 2003

Benchmarking Guidance

A benchmarking template has been developed to assist areas wishing to undertake benchmarking at the course or program level.

Benchmarking Template

Updated: 18 July 2011