Article | Entrepreneurship area | Year 2019 | |
An analysis of a structured benchmarking project: The case of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s benchmarking projectby A.A. Al Nuseirat; Z.M. El Kahlout; A. Abbas; D. Adebanjo; Prattana Punnakitikasem; R. Mann | |
Benchmarking 26(5), p.1431-1450 |
AbstractPurpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate a benchmarking project carried out by the Dubai
Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) as part of a structured benchmarking initiative. The project was
based on the TRADE benchmarking methodology and this paper examines the tools, activities and outcomes
that relate to each stage of the adopted methodology.
Design/methodology/approach – This study is based on case study methodology. Data were collected
from various sources including analysis of project reports written by DEWA’s benchmarking team reporting
on their activities during the project. Data were also collected from four project presentations given at
different stages of the project. In addition, the research team held three meetings with the DEWA
benchmarking team at different stages of the benchmarking project.
Findings – The results show the key challenges and successes faced during each stage of the benchmarking
project. It indicates the actions taken to overcome the challenges and the role played by internal and external
stakeholders in facilitating the success of the benchmarking project.
Practical implications – The study presents information that would guide organisations that wish to carry
out a benchmarking project – and particularly those implementing benchmarking for the first time. The study
provides a summary of the key lessons learnt by DEWA’s benchmarking team as a guide for other organisations.
Originality/value – Academic research has not adequately examined and analysed the stage-by-stage
elements of a benchmarking project from the perspective of the implementing organisation. This study
addresses this gap by detailing and analysing the experiences of a benchmarking project by tracking the
stage-by-stage activities of the benchmarking team
Keywords: s Benchmarking, Dubai, DEWA, DGEP, TRADE benchmarking methodology |