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Evaluating best value through clustered benchmarking in UK local government: building control services

Evaluating best value through clustered benchmarking in UK local government: building control... The best value initiative has been designated as the key framework for improving service quality and effectiveness in UK local government. In support of the framework a number of measures have been introduced to measure effectiveness. However, there are problems with using comparative performance measures within the diverse grouping of local government services. Aims to measure the effectiveness of best value in a similar group of building control services by using a clustered benchmarking approach. The mainly qualitative research involves applying a strategic benchmarking approach to the 26 units or councils within the cluster and then comparing the cluster with the best practice UK measures for building control services. To facilitate the process a benchmarking measurement framework for building control was developed. The results indicate that the clustering approach is more beneficial than comparing the service of a single unit with best practice. Practices comparable with best practice for key measures can be identified for individual units or councils within the cluster. Moreover, there are more opportunities for generalising the findings and developing measurement frameworks within clusters. The cluster can internalise the benchmarked findings through mutually supportive programmes. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png International Journal of Public Sector Management Emerald Publishing

Evaluating best value through clustered benchmarking in UK local government: building control services

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Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2002 MCB UP Ltd. All rights reserved.
ISSN
0951-3558
DOI
10.1108/09513550210439607
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

The best value initiative has been designated as the key framework for improving service quality and effectiveness in UK local government. In support of the framework a number of measures have been introduced to measure effectiveness. However, there are problems with using comparative performance measures within the diverse grouping of local government services. Aims to measure the effectiveness of best value in a similar group of building control services by using a clustered benchmarking approach. The mainly qualitative research involves applying a strategic benchmarking approach to the 26 units or councils within the cluster and then comparing the cluster with the best practice UK measures for building control services. To facilitate the process a benchmarking measurement framework for building control was developed. The results indicate that the clustering approach is more beneficial than comparing the service of a single unit with best practice. Practices comparable with best practice for key measures can be identified for individual units or councils within the cluster. Moreover, there are more opportunities for generalising the findings and developing measurement frameworks within clusters. The cluster can internalise the benchmarked findings through mutually supportive programmes.

Journal

International Journal of Public Sector Management – Emerald Publishing

Published: Nov 1, 2002

Keywords: Building regulations; Control; Local government; United Kingdom

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