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Development and application of a benchmarking information system in clusters of SMEs

Development and application of a benchmarking information system in clusters of SMEs Purpose – The paper aims to focus on the development and application of a benchmarking information system designed for use within a cluster. Design/methodology/approach – Case study as the field research methodology for theory testing and refinement. Findings – Despite the difficulties and a lack of maturity for benchmarking and performance management to be overcome, the governing institutions and most of the companies have realized that implementation of the system in itself represents a step towards managing improvement of the clusters. Research limitations/implications – Research is still at an early stage and applications of the information system need to be carried on further so as to review and validate it. Practical implications – Absence of a culture of decision making based on analysis of information and lack of resources may create some difficulty in using metrics for a cluster of SMEs. Originality/value – The paper proposes to apply the concepts and techniques of business performance management and improvement to manage performance of clusters of companies, offering a new approach on how to improve the collective efficiency of a cluster. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Benchmarking: An International Journal Emerald Publishing

Development and application of a benchmarking information system in clusters of SMEs

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References (21)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2008 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
1463-5771
DOI
10.1108/14635770810876601
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – The paper aims to focus on the development and application of a benchmarking information system designed for use within a cluster. Design/methodology/approach – Case study as the field research methodology for theory testing and refinement. Findings – Despite the difficulties and a lack of maturity for benchmarking and performance management to be overcome, the governing institutions and most of the companies have realized that implementation of the system in itself represents a step towards managing improvement of the clusters. Research limitations/implications – Research is still at an early stage and applications of the information system need to be carried on further so as to review and validate it. Practical implications – Absence of a culture of decision making based on analysis of information and lack of resources may create some difficulty in using metrics for a cluster of SMEs. Originality/value – The paper proposes to apply the concepts and techniques of business performance management and improvement to manage performance of clusters of companies, offering a new approach on how to improve the collective efficiency of a cluster.

Journal

Benchmarking: An International Journal – Emerald Publishing

Published: May 30, 2008

Keywords: Benchmarking; Small to medium‐sized enterprises; Performance management; Cluster analysis

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