Generic Benchmarking

Introduction

In order for our group to complete the Benchmarking Worksheet, we found it necessary to meet and discus the 9-step problem solving model thoroughly to ensure that all questions were addressed prior to completing the assignment. We also discussed the importance of benchmarking to aid a corporation in implementing the best practices for problem situations and the appropriate steps needed to complete the assignment.

Approach taken to complete assignment

In our group meeting we evaluated the situation, created a motivational problem statement and developed end-state goals for the corporation. Once we reached step 4 of the 9-step problem solving model we realized that we have some intense research ahead of us in the benchmarking department. Let's take a look at the steps our group took to accomplish this assignment.

Step 1 - Evaluate the Situation

In the group meeting we reviewed the Global Communications Corporation scenario so that all of us were on the same page. We combined our views on the scenario to encompass the best possible answers for each step. After reviewing the scenario again we described the scenario with key topic points that were problems for the corporation so that we could frame the right problem.

 Lack of leadership

 Competition

 Market Share

 Technology

 Costs

 Stakeholders

 Stock Value

 Lack of new products

 Ineffective communication

 Industry turmoil

Step 2 - Problem Statement

As a group we came up with a problem statement that is motivational and specific. The problem statement will assist the stakeholders to understand what the corporation is trying to achieve in an optimistic, opportunity driven focus. Our problem statement is as follows: Global communications will create superior leadership through innovation and service while maximizing stakeholder value.

Step 3 - End-State Goals

After creating our problem statement we fully understood where the company was and wanted to know where the company was going in the future. The end-state goals will assist the group in determining the focus of the company for all stakeholders to be proud. Our end-state goals for Global Communications Corporation are listed below.

* Global market share

* Increased profitability

* Developed innovative products

* Strong leadership

* Industry leaders

* Customer service centers located in Ireland and India

* Competitive stock value

* Elevated employee satisfaction rating

Step 4 - Identify Alternatives through Benchmarking

The group discussed the importance of benchmarking to aid a corporation in implementing the best practices for problem situations. Benchmarking will assist the group to identify alternatives through the practices of companies in various industries. After a timely review of the benchmarking process, the team got to work on researching various industries to accumulate three to five possible solutions to be evaluated against the problem statement and end-state goals. We divided the benchmarking into sections so that each group member could thoroughly research the topics and come up with various solutions. The sections are listed below with some of the search terms that we utilized.

* strengthen leadership

o Senior level communication improvement

o Employee recognition

o Mentoring programs in upper level management

o Dynamic leadership development

* elevate employee satisfaction

o Salary/Bonus structures

o Stock options

o Training/Education

o Motivation

* develop innovative products

o Going global with new products

o Product Life Cycle studies

o R&D

o Focus groups

* increase profitability

o Outsourcing

o Cost cutting

o Business relationship development

o Automation

The generic benchmarking worksheet below lists the alternatives that we feel could assist Global Communications Corporation in the 9-step problem solving model.

Task A: Problem/Opportunity Statement

Instructions for Task A: In the Response row, write out the problem/opportunity statements for the scenario for each of the team members.

Response to Task A: The team combined all of our thoughts on the problem statement to create one unified group problem statement. Global communications will create superior leadership through innovation and service while maximizing stakeholder value.

Generic Benchmarking--The purpose of generic benchmarking is to identify potential solutions to the problem statements defined in Task A. You will do this by looking at how companies in other industries have dealt with similar issues.

Task B1: Generic Benchmarking: Topics

Instructions for Task B1: In the Response row, identify the topics for which you need information in order to identify potential solutions to the problems identified in Task A.

* In the Response row, list three to five topics that you will research in peer-reviewed journals, on Web sites, and in popular publications such as magazines and newspapers.

* In the Response row, provide a justification for each topic.

Response to Task B1: