Suitability of performance indicators and benchmarking practices in UK universities

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a common framework for benchmarking practices used in higher education. Design/methodology/approach – An electronic questionnaire survey was distributed to senior management team and senior administrators among the top 200 UK universities in the world. Findings – A review of the current practices of benchmarking among the universities in the UK is presented and the types of performance indicators adopted within universities in relation to research, teaching and administration are outlined. Originality/value – The suitability of performance indicators adopted in the current national and international rankings is also investigated. Opinions of respondents on important factors for successful benchmarking are also compiled and analysed.