Best Practice Benchmarking
Thinking out of the box requires that you keep abreast of new ways of delivering programs and services including best practices. Comparing program/ service delivery and management practices with other jurisdictions nationally or internationally is one way to help you do this as well as support new proposals for change.
However, the extensive information collected through a benchmarking exercise needs to be summarized in a structured manner so that the key findings are evident, opportunities for improvement can be identified, and the end result is not just a lot of information. Also, if a team is involved in collecting the information, you need to ensure the information is reported in a consistent manner.
Benchmarking templates
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A generic benchmarking template for comparing organization practices.
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Function benchmarking templates (16 in total) for comparing organizational practices for specific functions. Each template contains comparison dimensions and content specific to the function (e.g., examples of best practices). Maturity capability descriptions for the key dimensions are also provided.
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A benchmarking guide provides background information on the benchmarking process and the key steps.
You will receive an email with a link to download the selected template in a PowerPoint editable format or the Benchmarking Guide in a Word editable format.
Organization benchmarking process
- Confirm objectives of the benchmarking (e.g., best practices, performance)
- Conduct web search and research background documentation/ information
- Identify potential benchmark organizations, and seek their participation
- Determine key comparison dimensions and criteria
- Prepare profiles of benchmark organizations
- Interview benchmark organizations and validate their profiles
- Compare delivery models and practices, and identify common/best practices
- Summarize the results of the comparisons and assess implications
- Distribute results to the benchmark participants.
