Benchmarking is defined in many different ways. In short, it is a point of reference for business processes within an organization to find areas where gaps exist between customer expectation and departmental operations. These areas are further examined with a focus upon defining all the steps involved and identifying which steps add value to the process. Comparisons are made with other organizations, within and outside higher education, to seek out business practices which the University may incorporate into its operations.

In Business Operations we are just beginning this effort. During the course of our benchmarking effort this page will provide information on benchmarking in general and on our particular project. Any help or guidance you wish to share would be welcome. You can contact Ed Hums of Special Projects at 219-631-5843 (voice), 219-631-5883 (facsimile) or by e-mail at Edward.F.Hums.2@nd.edu

Departmental Results and Contributions

The various departments in Business Operations are presenting summary information on their benchmarking efforts. These results are presented in summary form and provide the reader with information for further information. Entries in this area will be posted on a periodic basis when they are submitted. To access this information, click here.

Benchmarking Working Group

A group of individuals from varying areas of Business Operations have formed a working group to assist in this benchmarking effort. This group will discuss benchmarking in general as well as within the area of Business Operations. Beside sharing information, this group will develop a reporting format that is consistent across Business Operations. For more information on the committee, a membership listing and abbreviated minutes, click here.

Steps in Benchmarking

Steps in the process as defined by Robert C. Camp in his book Business Process Benchmarking: Finding and Implementing Best Practices. To see a brief overview, click here.

NACUBO Benchmarking Project

Business Operations is making arrangements to participate in the benchmarking survey that is annual compiled by the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). This project will affect only certain areas in Business Operations. For more information on this survey click here.

Other Links of Interest

Part of the support for this benchmarking effort is the development of a database of benchmarking information. These are several sites that contain helpful information as well as links to further sites of information.

American Productivity & Quality Center - Excellent as a starting point.

The Benchmarking Exchange - Lots of interesting links to other sites. Look under "Other Resources.

Strategic Planning Institute - An interesting web site with some very good reading about benchmarking codes of conduct as well as legal and ethical guidelines. Courtesy of Jim Herter

Some of the professional organizations that support higher education have benchmarking materials available on web sites. Some of these are included for your review.

Association of College and University Telecommunications Administrators - Not much on benchmarking. Reviewing the site seems to indicate the organization is becoming interested in this topic. Selecting "Search Engine" and then requesting benchmarking may yield some information, but probably not much.

Association of Physical Plant Administrators - A reference source for facility managers. This organizations has begun a benchmarking project entitled Strategic Assessment Model (SAM). The web site in this area is very well done. You can access this area by selecting "Research Initiatives" and then "Strategic Assessment Model" or directly by clicking here. Some other comparative cost information in reports listed under "Bookstore."

Campus Safety, Health and Environmental Management Association - Organization that is addressing benchmarking in a very direct and thorough manner. Access information by selecting "Benchmarking" from the selection table.

National Association of College Auxiliary Services - Seems to be a good deal of information present, perhaps more statistical, rather than benchmarking related.

National Association of College Stores - A very well designed web site. Select "Industry Information" and then "Successful Practices and Benchmarking Task Force" for information.

National Association of College and University Food Services - Some information on benchmarking. Under "Publications" there is a benchmarking survey while under "Peer Consultation Services" and the "peer Network" a selection of "Benchmarking" identifies other institutions and administrators that may be of assistance.

National Association of Purchasing Managers - A very well developed web site. A good section for review is the area accessed by selecting "CAPS" for the Center for Advanced Purchasing Studies. You may need to use the search engine to find some information on benchmarking or you may click here for direct access.

Interesting Reading

Business Process Benchmarking:Finding and Implementing Best Practices by Robert C. Camp. My opinion is that this is a tremendous book to read. It has been cited in many reference listings and sometimes listed as "the best" book on benchmarking. It is easy reading and tends to raise questions in one's mind continually. Probably have to order this one from a store as I doubt it is in stock anywhere.

Business Process Redesign for Higher Education by NACUBO (National Association of College and University Business Officers). Excellent walk through of a process redesign. Be aware this book is very detailed and time consuming to read. Not recommended for a beginner.

The Manager's Guide to Benchmarking by Jerome P. Finnigan. I have just received this book from Dave Harr and have yet to read it. A quick scan indicates this work will be of some value, especially to individuals just getting started. Will have to order this book. Perhaps Dave can help answer any questions.

Organizational Paradigm Shifts by NACUBO (National Association of College and University Business Officers). A good (and short) description of change within higher education. Some benchmarking information and also some reengineering. Interesting to know what fellow institutions are doing. Order from NACUBO at 202-861-2500.

Campus Resources

University of Notre Dame Fact Book 1996 published by the Office of Institutional Research. This report presents many of the numbers needed for a benchmarking survey. It is especially helpful in providing information on enrollment, faculty resources, tuition, financial aid, academic activity, and some physical resources information. The use of this book to determine information such as full-time equivalent enrollment allows consistency between departments participating in benchmarking.

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