Benchmarking is the voluntary process of self-evaluation and self-improvement through the systematic and collaborative comparison of practice and performance with similar organisations. Benchmarking is a requirement of Exercise and Sports Science Australia, the accrediting body of Exercise Physiologists in Australia. 

According to Professor Sarah L Collie, the following are basic steps to implement a benchmarking strategy in a higher education institution:

Step 1: What to benchmark?

• Identify critical processes.
• Collect internal data for comparison. How measure performance, understand strengths and weaknesses of current process.

Step 2: Who to benchmark?

• Internal Units. Comparison within an institution.
• Other colleges and universities. Comparison across institutions.
• Functional comparisons. Across diverse settings: higher education, corporate, industry, etc.
• Best in Class. Compare with exceptional performers.

Step 3: Collect data

• Collect comparative data: Qualitative and quantitative.
• Calls, surveys, site visits, interviews, review of websites.
• Systematic collection.

Step 4: Analyse data

• Gap between performance. Are others better? Why are they better?
• New strategies and practices for adoption. What practices could we adapt and adopt?

Step 5: Implement improvements

• Action plan for change.
• Implement changes.
• Measure results for effectiveness.

In line with the above, I have established collaborations with educations from other universities to share expertise with regards to our practical exams and benchmark against one another.