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An overview of benchmarking process: a tool for continuous improvement and competitive advantage

Dean Elmuti (Lumpkin College of Business and Applied Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois, USA)
Yunus Kathawala (Lumpkin College of Business and Applied Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois, USA)

Benchmarking for Quality Management & Technology

ISSN: 1351-3036

Article publication date: 1 December 1997

11666

Abstract

The continuous pursuit of excellence is the underlying and ever present goal of benchmarking practices. Benchmarking is an external focus on internal activities, functions, or operations in order to achieve continuous improvement. It is the process of judging a company’s processes or products by comparing them to the world’s best, including those in other industries. Benchmarking is emerging in leading‐edge companies as a tool for obtaining the information needed to support continuous improvement and gain competitive advantage. In order to benchmark effectively, there needs to be a strong strategic focus and some flexibility in achieving the goals set forth by management. Perhaps the most important aspects of effective implementation are adequate planning, training, and open interdepartmental communication.

Keywords

Citation

Elmuti, D. and Kathawala, Y. (1997), "An overview of benchmarking process: a tool for continuous improvement and competitive advantage", Benchmarking for Quality Management & Technology, Vol. 4 No. 4, pp. 229-243. https://doi.org/10.1108/14635779710195087

Publisher

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MCB UP Ltd

Copyright © 1997, MCB UP Limited

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