9609 · 9.2.2
Benchmarking flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9609 Benchmarking (syllabus 9.2.2). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
Card
Benchmarking?
Measuring performance against best-in-class standards.
Card
Internal benchmarking?
Compare outlets/teams within same firm — easier data access.
Card
External benchmarking?
Compare with competitors or industry averages.
Card
Functional benchmarking?
Compare one function with best firm in that function anywhere.
Card
KPI examples?
OEE, defect ppm, on-time delivery %, labour productivity.
Card
Limitation?
Rivals hide data; copying context may not transfer.
Card
Link to 4.1.2?
Benchmark productivity and efficiency metrics.
Card
Ethical issue?
Industrial espionage vs legitimate public data use.
Card
What is benchmarking?
A management process of measuring a business's products, services, or processes against those of recognised industry leaders ('best in class') to identify performance gaps and implement improvements.
Card
Define 'best practice'.
The methods or techniques that have consistently shown results superior to those achieved with other means. In benchmarking, it represents the 'how' and 'why' behind a leading organisation's superior performance.
Card
What is the key difference between internal and external benchmarking?
Internal benchmarking compares performance between departments or divisions within the same company, while external benchmarking compares performance against other, separate organisations.
Card
Why are Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) essential for benchmarking?
KPIs provide the specific, quantifiable data needed to make objective comparisons. Without them, it is impossible to accurately measure performance gaps between a business and its benchmark partner.
Card
What is 'functional benchmarking'?
A type of external benchmarking where a business compares a specific process (e.g., logistics, customer service) against a company in a different industry that is recognised as the absolute best in that particular function.
Card
What is a 'performance gap' in benchmarking?
The quantifiable difference between a business's current performance in a specific area (e.g., 92% on-time delivery) and the 'best-in-class' benchmark standard (e.g., 99% on-time delivery).
Card
What are the four key stages of a benchmarking project?
1. Plan: Identify process, KPIs, and partners. 2. Collect: Gather internal and external data. 3. Analyse: Determine the performance gap and its root causes. 4. Adapt: Implement best practices and monitor results.