Analytic Quality Glossary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Citation reference: Harvey, L., 2004–8, Analytic Quality Glossary, Quality Research International, http://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary/
This is a dynamic glossary and the author would welcome any e-mail suggestions for amendments or additions.
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Benchmark
core definition
A benchmark is a
point of reference against which something may be measured.
explanatory context
In the higher
education context a benchmark is usually either (1) a level of performance,
resources, or outcome against which an institution or group might be compared,
or (2) the specification or codification of comparable processes.
Benchmarks may
be (1) defined for an institution (or sub-institution unit) as targets,
possibly on continuous basis (2) the basis of comparison between two or more
institutions (or sub-institutional units) (3) specifications of processes that
can be compared as a basis for identifying, for example, optimum effectiveness,
efficiency or transparency.
BenchmarksÕ
are sometimes specified in ÔcontractsÕ such as student charters (for example in
the UK). They tend to be quantifiable and restricted to measurable items,
including the presence or absence of an element of service or a facility.
Currently, benchmarking tends to be a voluntary activity engaged in by
institutions, for example the Association of Commonwealth Universities/European
Centre for Strategic Management of Universities University Management
Benchmarking Programme (ACU/ESMU, 2001).
analytical review
The UNESCO
definition of benchmark is:
A
standard, a reference point, or a criterion against which the quality of
something can be measured, judged, and evaluated, and against which outcomes of
a specified activity can be measured. The term, benchmark, means a measure of
best practice performance. The existence of a benchmark is one necessary step
in the overall process of benchmarking.
(Vl‹sceanu, et al.,
2004)
Similarly:
Benchmark:
A reference point or criterion by which to measure something. (Campbell & Rozsnyai, 2002, p. 131)
associated issues
related terms
sources
Campbell, C. & Rozsnyai, C., 2002, Quality Assurance
and the Development of Course Programmes.
Papers on Higher Education Regional University Network on Governance and
Management of Higher Education in South East Europe Bucharest, UNESCO.
Vl‹sceanu,
L., GrŸnberg,
L., and P‰rlea, D., 2004, Quality Assurance and Accreditation: A Glossary of Basic
Terms and Definitions (Bucharest, UNESCO-CEPES)
Papers on Higher Education, ISBN 92-9069-178-6. http://www.cepes.ro/publications/Default.htm
ACU/ESMU, 2001