In April 2008 we opened an online questionnaire to RTOs on our AQTF Update list and left it open for three days. The short survey was designed to provide a snapshot of how RTOs were managing the transition to AQTF 2007. 250 RTOs responded and they received a copy of the summary that also showed their individual responses. This allowed them to compare their RTO against the summary of results.
Benchmarking is a practice that is encouraged by AQTF 2007. ‘Strategies to monitor the effectiveness of your management system could include…benchmarking management systems and organisational performance with other RTOs.’ Users’ Guide to the Essential Standards for Registration Page 35.
Essentially a benchmark is a standard that provides a measure for performance and most quality approaches regard benchmarking as an invaluable planning tool. Interested in learning more about the process? The American Society for Quality has a short article. Click here.
ChalkPort April 2008 RTO Benchmarking Survey Results: Click here