Benchmarking in Re-Engineering Process - Research Paper Example

Title page (Your name) (Your university) Table of contents 2.0 Introduction 4 3.0 Article one 4 3.1 Background work 4 3.2 Issues defined 5 3.3 Criteria description 5 3.4 Methodology 5 4.0 Article two 5 4.1 Background work 5 4.3 Criteria description 6 4.4 Methodology 6 5.0 Article three 7 5.1 Background work 7 5.2 Issues defined 7 5.3 Criteria description 7 5.4 Methodology 7 6.0 Article four 8 6.1 Background work 8 6.2 Issues defined 8 6.3 Criteria description 8 6.4 Methodology 8 7.0 Article five 9 7.1 Background work 9 7.2 Issues defined 9 7.3 Criteria description 9 7.4 Methodology 9 8.0 Article six 10 8.1 Background work 10 8.2 Issues defined 10 8.3 Criteria description 10 8.4 Methodology 11 9.0 Article seven 11 9.1 Background work 11 9.2 Issues defined 11 9.3 Criteria description 12 9.4 Methodology 12 10.0 Article eight 12 10.1 Background 12 10.2 Issues defined 12 10.3 Criteria description 13 10.4 Methodology 13 11.0 Conclusion 13 12.0 Appendix 14 1.0 Abstract Strategic management is very essential in any business set up. Benchmarking is part and parcel of strategic management. It is a tool that helps managers to improve the quality of the products and services in organizations. Many businesses are incorporating benchmarking in order to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. This is especially the case in this twenty first century. This move has been brought about by increasing stiff competition in the entire business fraternity. There are tremendous fluctuations that are quite evident in the business environment. It is a venture that helps organizations to evaluate their position in the market. This is in relation to the other competitor companies. For any organization to maintain leadership in the market, then benchmarking has to be constantly carried out. This helps to ensure that the company products are meeting the demand in the market. 2.0 Introduction Benchmarking is known to be part and parcel of the re-engineering process many organizations. This process is all about knowing the best performers in the market, the standards therein and the person that sets the standards. Benchmarking involves evaluation of many internal processes within an organization to ensure that they are appropriately aligned to the best practice code of ethics. This paper is dealing with literature review of various articles on the benchmarking topic. 3.0 Article one 3.1 Background work The overall paradigm of business blindness is overcome by benchmarking. The blindness paradigm is whereby leaders or managers carry out tasks in the way that they are used to. On the other hand, benchmarking exposes an organization to new ways of improving the quality of the products therein. Generally, benchmarking gives a different view of handling quality issues within an organization. It actually acts against any form of resistance to change whatsoever. This entire process can be carried out by an organization as an individual venture or as a joint undertaking between organizations. An example of group benchmarking is that which has been carried out by water supply companies in Dutch. [1] 3.2 Issues defined There are various issues that have been defined in the article. One of the issues that have been tackled in the journal is in line with general explanation of what benchmarking is. There is also the explanation of the essence of benchmarking in any organization. The author of this article further clarifies that benchmarking can be carried out by one organization or as a group venture in many organizations. 3.3 Criteria description In developing research similar to this, one needs to clearly understand the topic. The next thing would be to write down the various hypotheses concerning the topic. Then the different methods of collecting data are used to get information. Conclusions are then drawn. 3.4 Methodology The methodology used in the article is as follows; first there is the selection of the topic, then defining the benchmarking process. It is followed by the identification of the partners and the sources of collecting information. Next is the selection of partners and then actual collection of information. There is then the determination of the gap and establishment of any disparities in the process within the organization. Next step is putting in place strategies for future performance. Then goal adjustments are done, implemented and reviews carried out. [1] 4.0 Article two 4.1 Background work This article generally highlights about the different types of benchmarking that organizations incorporate. One of the types of benchmarking is line with process. This is where the organization’s processes are analyzed in relation to the best practice in other competitor organizations. The other is the benchmarking of financial issues. There is also benchmarking carried out in relation to the company performance. The other types include functional, product and strategic benchmarking. [2] 4.2 Issues defined The issues that are clearly defined in this article are in relation to the different types of benchmarking that are carried out in many organizations. This gives a broader perspective of what actually benchmarking as a venture incorporates. 4.3 Criteria description In developing a research similar to this, it is very important to carry out planning process first. This is where the measurements of internal processes and faculties are analyzed. This helps in knowing the specific areas of need that require positive changes to be carried out. Then the people who will be responsible for the whole process are identified and given the responsibilities. 4.4 Methodology The methodology that is used in this article involves identification of the specific areas that need benchmarking. This includes the areas that cost so much. The next step is where comparative company(s) is identified. These can include competitors in the internal and the global market. The next step in the methodology that is used in this article includes collecting of the required data. Then analysis is carried out. [2] 5.0 Article three 5.1 Background work Many key people in organizations always try out new ways in order to enhance quality therein. One way that has been incorporated by managers and leaders in organizations is benchmarking. This enables managers to generally upgrade the organization’s processes. This concept allows innovativeness in business processes. While there are various organizations that carry out benchmarking, this whole concept needs also to be carried out in e-commerce. [3] 5.2 Issues defined This journal generally identifies that despite the wide use of benchmarking; there are areas that the venture has not been fully tapped. This is more so in the e-commerce and also businesses that deal with supply chain management. This journal clearly shows the importance of benchmarking. 5.3 Criteria description In carrying out such a research, one would analyze different organizations in the market. Further research can be carried out through checking whether they incorporate benchmarking or not and the reasons evaluated. 5.4 Methodology The methodology used in this journal is more or less like that which is used in the other articles. This is whereby there is analysis of the internal processes within an organization. Then the competitor companies are chosen and analyzed. The data is compared with the organization’s performance. Then lastly corrective measures are carried out. [3] 6.0 Article four 6.1 Background work Benchmarking is a search that usually leads to better performance in organizations. Analysis shows that benchmarking is also very applicable in the education sector and not just in business field only. There is no single organization that operates in a vacuum. Organizations need to ensure that they are meeting the customers’ and societal needs. That is why yearly reviews always need to be carried out. Benchmarking as a venture would enable organizations to know where they are placed in the market. [4] 6.2 Issues defined The issues that are highlighted in the article include the definition of benchmarking. There is further explanation concerning the need for organizations to meet customers’ needs. The article further elaborates that for any business to succeed, then benchmarking has to be carried out often. 6.3 Criteria description When coming up with an article such as this. One needs to carry out extensive secondary research. This is through reading of books and journals on the topic. Comparison has to be carried out on the real picture through primary research too. 6.4 Methodology The methodology that is used in this article involves planning, then identification of competitor companies. Next the leader companies in the market are analyzed and compared to the organization. Necessary corrections are made in order to enhance the company’s performance. [4] 7.0 Article five 7.1 Background work This article involves various studies that were carried out in relation to benchmarking. This is in relation to the competencies and the overall characteristics in business organizations. A study that is comparative in nature was carried out among the organizations. This is in relation to the services, structures, objectives and mission statements in different organizations. This involved three companies; the EOQ ASQ and JUSE. In this case, the mission, objectives, organization structures of these three companies were evaluated. Using this basis, benchmarking was carried out and corrective measures implemented. [5] 7.2 Issues defined The issues that have been handled in this article include comparative studies among different companies. The overall approach that is used in this article is evaluating the organizational structures, the objectives and mission statements. Using this comparative information benchmarking is later on carried out. 7.3 Criteria description In coming up with such an article one needs to carry out extensive primary research among different companies. A comparative study would then be carried out to know the best performers in the market. The companies that are not performing well carry out benchmarking and the information compiled into a report. 7.4 Methodology Analysis of this article shows that the conceptual model was used. In this model, the common elements between the companies are identified. These elements were objectives, mission, services and organizational structures. The next step was to introduce another important element between the structure and the objectives. This element is the strategy. Analysis is then carried out and corrective measures put in place. [5] 8.0 Article six 8.1 Background work Benchmarking is an evaluation process that is linked to best practices within in organizations. Many managers in organizations are always carrying out benchmarking in order to enhance their competitive advantage. This venture normally has costs attached to it. This are normally evaluated before the process begins. These costs include time costs, visit costs and also costs related to database. All these are normally analyzed and budgeting carried out. The profit that the organizations normally accrue after this process normally surpass the costs incurred therein. [6] 8.2 Issues defined This article is quite extensive and has handled so many issues therein. It actually defines the process of benchmarking very well. It also has the benefits of organizations carrying out benchmarking clearly illustrated. It highlights different companies that have carried out benchmarking in the past. The article is generally an eye opener on the costs expected in this process. There are also examples of different budgets related to benchmarking from different companies. 8.3 Criteria description In developing research similar to this, one needs to carry out extensive research. It is important to identify the companies or organizations that have carried out benchmarking. The search can be carried out online. This has to include both primary and secondary research. Questionnaires and interviews can be used to get the relevant information which is later compiled into a report. 8.4 Methodology The methodology that was incorporated in this article is where intensive preparations are made. The next step involved planning on what would be required in the whole process. The companies were then identified. Data was collected, analyzed and then re-evaluated in relation to theoretical knowledge. Conclusions were then drawn and the report clearly compiled by professionals. [6] 9.0 Article seven 9.1 Background work Benchmarking has been incorporated by very many organizations. This is also quite evident in the global markets. This move has been greatly influenced by increasing stiff competition. Despite the wide spread of this process, there is no single way of accomplishing it that has been universally espoused. The fact that benchmarking has been accepted all over the world has led to different approaches being used by organizations. One of the methodologies is the one that was developed by Camp Roberts that has twelve stages. The reason why this stage is widely used is due to its simplicity. [8] 9.2 Issues defined This journal has also handled different issues. This is in relation to the extent which benchmarking process has been incorporated. There is further elaboration that the widespread use of the process has resulted in many methodologies of carrying out the same. There is however one methodology that many organizations universally based have a tendency of using. This is the twelve stage methodology by Camp Roberts. The article further shows the advantages and the disadvantages of the methodologies. 9.3 Criteria description To develop a research that is similar to this one, both primary and secondary research has to be carried out. This is through analysis of books written by different authors concerning the topic. The data can then be analyzed and later on compiled. [8] 9.4 Methodology The methodology used is that of Camp Roberts that has twelve stages of benchmarking process. 10.0 Article eight 10.1 Background Benchmarking has been incorporated in very many areas. United Kingdom’s education system has also incorporated benchmarking. This is in relation to e-learning. This was in the year 2005 to 2006. This process has enabled relevant authorities to come up with enviable changes in e-learning. This process involves different measurements of performance, structures and practices. [7] 10.2 Issues defined This is a unique article that shows that benchmarking is not just relevant in the business sector only. The same process can be carried out in the education sector to enhance success. The article also shows the different methodologies that have been put in place to suit benchmarking in e-learning. 10.3 Criteria description To compile such a report one needs to carry out primary research on other institutions apart from those that are business based. Questionnaires can be prepared in relation to benchmarking and methodologies used. The data can then be analyzed and compiled in relation to the conclusions. 10.4 Methodology There are different methodologies that have been used in this article. They include BENVIC (benchmarking of virtual campuses) methodology and ELTI methodology. All these have been used to make paramount changes in e-learning. [7] 11.0 Conclusion In conclusion, benchmarking is actually part and parcel of management within organizations. This process involves measuring the performance of an organization in the market. It includes extensive analysis of the organization’s products in comparison to those that are found in the market. This is not a one time issue but it is a continuous process that is encouraged throughout an organization’s lifetime. Many articles have been written in relation to this topic that have put in immeasurable in-put in the benchmarking venture. 12.0 Appendix Conceptual model Mission and vision Objectives Strategy Organizational structure Service The conceptual model in benchmarking has incorporated strategy to improve organizational performance. Read More