A Benchmarking Framework for the University Sector

1
A Benchmarking Framework for the University
Sector

• Careers Service

2
The Benchmarking Process

• Background
• Why benchmark?
• What is benchmarking ?
• Proposed framework

3
Stages in the Benchmarking Process
Stage 1 Planning Plan
Stage 2 Data Collection Do
Stage 3 Data Analysis Comparison Compare
Stage 4 Results Action Act
4
Stage 1 - Planning

• Appoint a project team and clarify objectives of
  the exercise
• Identify Centres of Excellence to benchmark
  against
• Categorise core activities
• Identify comparable information for each core area

5
Behind the Scenes
1. Understand your own processes
2. Analyse processes of others
4. Implement steps to close performance gaps
3. Compare your performance with others
6
Stage 2 Data Collection

• Desk research
• Annual reports, web/paper searches and
  e-mail/telephone conversations
• Site visits
• Cultural off agenda material is equally
  informative

7
Stage 2 - Data Collection

• Prepare Questions
• According to core activities
• SWOT analysis
• Circulated draft questions internally staff
  buy-in
• Circulated questions to BM partners

8
Stage 2 Data Collection

• Plan visits
• Decide how necessary is the visit
• Priortise who you need to see, nice to see
• Personal contacts are useful for further
  follow-up
• Leave time on the day to re-visit or browse

9
Data Comparison
Bristol Cardiff Edinburgh Cork
No. of staff 5 7 5 1 half time
Employer Presentations Milkround Visits 120 Companies visited 59 Companies visited 83 Companies visited 61 Companies visited
Recruitment Fairs Bristol hosts 6 Fairs attended by 383 exhibitors 4, 852 students Cardiff hosts 3 Fairs attended by 87 exhibitors and 1,861 students Edinburgh hosts 3 Fairs attended by 222 exhibitors 4,920 students Cork hosts 1 Fair attended by 48 exhibitors and 2,000 students

• Design template to allow for easy comparison-
  tabular format

10
Stage 3 Results and Action

• Identify gaps and address relevance to your
  situation
• Make recommendations
• Prepare action plan

11
Benefits of Benchmarking

• Raises awareness confidence about own
  performance
• Better understanding of the big picture
• Greater involvement and motivation of staff in
  change programmes
• Learning from others in applying best practice
  without re-inventing the wheel

12
Careers Service Experience

• Planning is the key to success
• Be clear on your own core activities
• Keep it simple
• Learn as you go
• Be realistic