Identifying critical performance indicators and suitable partners using a benchmarking template

Purpose – Overall, the UK’s representation in the top 100 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings has declined since 2011. The basic rationale of the project is to improve performance of universities generally and their standings in rankings particularly. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The key research questions of this study ask which performance indicators should be improved and which benchmarking partners should be chosen. Two selected universities have been chosen as featured case studies to illustrate the proposed template. Findings – A user-friendly template for benchmarking has been developed as a tool for self-evaluation and self-improvement by having a systematic comparison of appropriate measures of performance among the universities in the UK. The template can be extended by identifying internal and external benchmarking partners for the corresponding indicators. Research limitations/implications – There is more work to be done during and after the formal benchmarking activity which has not been addressed in the template. Practical implications – This is a practical approach. It is very simple to be implemented for self-evaluation and self-improvement. Social implications – Once completed it will help institutions to assess their performance, identify areas for benchmarking and select internal and external partners. Originality/value – This is a new and practical approach. The proposed template is designed to be used before the formal benchmarking activities or site visits.