I am attaching some articles.hopefully these will be useful
Benchmarking Model
Benchmarking is the search for industry best practice which leads to superior performance.2 The pioneer of competitive benchmarking was the American company, Xerox Corporation. The company demonstrated the usefulness of observing and learning from superior performers by benchmarking their competitor. Through the knowledge they gained they managed to dramatically improve their productivity and significantly reduce their cost of production.
The Benchmarking Process
Phase One: Planning
Step 1 Identify what functions, products or outputs are essential practices and should be benchmarked.
Step 2 Identify external organisations or functions within own organisation with superior work practices for comparison.
Phase Two: Analysis
Step 3 Determine what data sources are to be used. If an organisation has up to date personnel/payroll systems it should be able to measure a range of HR practices and outputs relatively easily. Valuable information may also be available through personnel records, surveys or even interviews.
Step 4 Determine the current level of performance. This will enable the gap in performance to be identified. Camp emphasises the importance of a "full understanding of internal business processes before attempting comparison with external organisations." Baseline measurement also provides an objective basis upon which to plan and act.
Phase Three: Integration
Step 5 Develop a vision for future operation based on the benchmarking findings. Focus should be directed on the quality of best practice procedures/practices and how these can be not just emulated, but improved upon by the organisation.
Step 6 Report progress to all employees on an ongoing basis. Communication and feedback are crucial components of benchmarking.
Phase Four: Action
Step 7 Establish functional goals linked to the overall vision for the organisation.
Step 8 & 9 Develop action plans and implement the best practice findings. This should be the responsibility of the people who actually perform the work. Periodic measurement and assessment of achievements should be put into place.
Step 10 Update knowledge on current work practices. This is, in essence, the crux of continuous quality improvement.
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