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Benchmarking is part of the ECU Excellence Framework
Benchmarking
For Staff – further details, information and supporting documentation is available on the Academic Quality and Standards SharePoint site. Please note access to this site requires an ECU staff login.
Benchmarking provides a mechanism for schools and centres to compare performance across a range of activities against suitable partners as part of continuous quality improvement and an ongoing review of their practices.
Benchmarking is part of the group of Excellence framework processes. Benchmarking activities are undertaken in accordance with Excellence Framework guidelines.
Selecting Benchmarking Partners
In general terms, benchmarking partners, both nationally and internationally, have a compatible purpose, vision, values and objectives. They should:
- be of comparable size
- have similar disciplines and/ or functions
- have equivalent or superior performance in the area to be benchmarked
- have a shared commitment to continuous improvement
ECU Benchmarking Principles
ECU staff conducting benchmarking activities should abide by the following principles:
- Legality - ensure your benchmarking activity is legal. If you are in doubt, consult Legal Services. A Memorandum of Understanding (Benchmarking) Template can be accessed on the Legal and Integrity pages
- Equality of Exchange – ensure that the information you provide to a partner is of equal value as the information you receive and is provided in a timely manner, to the agreed specifications.
- Honesty – use the information you are given with honesty and integrity.
- Confidentiality – treat the information you receive confidentially. Seek permission to release any information received, including the name of your contact from the partner organisation.
- Transparency – be clear about the information you are seeking from an organisation. Outlining your parameters in writing is essential in order to ensure expectations are understood by both parties.
- Efficiency – if you agree to do something be sure to follow through. Completion of the benchmarking activity once information exchange has occurred is essential.
Benchmarking Resources
The school or centre that initiates and manages the benchmarking activities will normally provide the resources necessary to ensure successful completion of the benchmarking process. Resources that should be considered include:
- Staff time
- Site visits if required
- Costs associated with implementation of changes recommended as a result of the benchmarking activities.
Contact
For further information, please contact Academic Quality and Standards.
Email: aqs@ecu.edu.au