To read this content please select one of the options below:

Development and application of a benchmarking information system in clusters of SMEs

L.C.R. Carpinetti (Department of Production Engineering, School of Engineering of Sao Carlos, University of São Paulo, Sao Carlos, Brazil)
O.T. Oiko (Department of Production Engineering, School of Engineering of Sao Carlos, University of São Paulo, Sao Carlos, Brazil)

Benchmarking: An International Journal

ISSN: 1463-5771

Article publication date: 30 May 2008

1304

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to focus on the development and application of a benchmarking information system designed for use within a cluster.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study as the field research methodology for theory testing and refinement.

Findings

Despite the difficulties and a lack of maturity for benchmarking and performance management to be overcome, the governing institutions and most of the companies have realized that implementation of the system in itself represents a step towards managing improvement of the clusters.

Research limitations/implications

Research is still at an early stage and applications of the information system need to be carried on further so as to review and validate it.

Practical implications

Absence of a culture of decision making based on analysis of information and lack of resources may create some difficulty in using metrics for a cluster of SMEs.

Originality/value

The paper proposes to apply the concepts and techniques of business performance management and improvement to manage performance of clusters of companies, offering a new approach on how to improve the collective efficiency of a cluster.

Keywords

Citation

Carpinetti, L.C.R. and Oiko, O.T. (2008), "Development and application of a benchmarking information system in clusters of SMEs", Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. 15 No. 3, pp. 292-306. https://doi.org/10.1108/14635770810876601

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Related articles