Description:

This one-day benchmarking and expectations workshop covers an important performance topic.

Benchmarking is the process of comparison and improvement. It has many definitions but they all include an initial study of internal processes, a comparison of these with others and a process of improvement.

Benchmarking has two basic functions – to record what is a norm of performance and to determine reasonable expectations. With both in place we can meet expectations by performaing at a level we can achieve by working efficiently and honestly. But it does not stop here. Now that there is a standard, then like any other competitive environment there is always pressure to exceed the norms. If this pressure is exercised through a transparent benefit sharing system, there may develop a continuously improving situation which is always ahead of expectations since expectations are set at the benchmark level. Continuous improvement drives innovation and a constant search for new ways to work, including the use of technology leading to step changes in performance.

Benchmarking workshops help you to progress through the improvement program whilst retaining the required willingness of those involved. There are many human issues in this process which need to be understood and managed. Most innovation will come from the teams and so they must be willing and have confidence in the future. Conflict management and negotiation are power tools in this environment and of course communication is vital throughout.

Benchmarking will have a substantial impact on waste and inefficiency. It may lead to step changes in profitability and market share. It can help create a sustainable competitive advantage and lead to market leadership, if that is the business goal. This is a compelling process because it could lead to benefits in situations where close management is difficult and where there is a temporary reduction in willingness to support the high level of performance.

An Attendance Certificate will be provided at the end of this skill course.

Vital Benefits:

This workshop provides you the following vital benefits:

• Understanding benchmarking and expectations
• Understand the enormous benefits of managing performance
• Learning to create a performance based business
• Understanding the development of internal benchmarks
• Understanding the work process and waste factors
• Understanding the importance of leadership
• Understanding behavior and how it can be modified to create willing performers

Objectives:

Benchmarking provides an opportunity to monitor the improvement in performance whilst also satisfying expectations. In this workshop it is our objectives to:

• Provide a practical understanding of benchmarking and performance expectations
• Create focus on a productivity issue
• Enhance your skill set
• Encourage greater involvement in this vital aspect of business
• Unlock the benefits of benchmarking and expectations
• Increase your commercial value through the practical application of benchmarking

Topics:

The exact nature of this workshop depends on the circumstances but may typically covers the following topics:

• Process analysis and mapping
• Improvement analysis
• Best practice – from where
• The nature of work and the processes that facilitate it
• The most effective way
• The non-value added effort
• Reduction of non-productive effort
• Key performance indicators - KPI’s
• Setting benchmarks
• Planning, monitoring, correction, motivation and negotiation
• Extreme change

Who to Attend:

Benchmarking and expectations are vitally important if you are trying to establish sustainable competitive advantage. We would recommend the course to the following project people:

• Business leaders
• Benchmarking teams
• Operations managers
• Human resource managers
• Affected line managers
• Those who provide the effort
• Those who want to develop their business skills