Concept Of Benchmarking Research Articles

Evaluating the resource management and profitability efficiencies of US commercial banks from a dynamic network perspective

The central concept of strategic benchmarking is resource management efficiency, which ultimately results in profitability. However, little is known about performance measurement from resource-based perspectives. This study uses the data envelopment analysis (DEA) model with a dynamic network structure to measure the resource management and profitability efficiencies of 287 US commercial banks from 2010 to 2020. Furthermore, we provide frontier projections and incorporate five variables, namely capital adequacy, asset quality, management quality, earning ability, and liquidity (i.e., the CAMEL ratings). The results revealed that the room for improvement in bank performance is 55.4%. In addition, we found that the CAMEL ratings of efficient banks are generally higher than those of inefficient banks, and management quality, earnings quality, and liquidity ratios positively contribute to bank performance. Moreover, big banks are generally more efficient than small banks. Overall, this study continues the current heated debate on performance measurement in the banking industry, with a particular focus on the DEA application to answer the fundamental question of why resource management efficiency reflects benchmark firms and provides insights into how efficient management of CAMEL ratings would help in improving their performance.

Investigating the rendering capability of embedded devices for graphical-user-interfaces in mobile machines

Abstract This paper focuses on the alignment of Graphical-User-Interface (GUI) applications and embedded devices. The main contribution is a benchmark approach that enables measuring and comparing the GUI rendering capability of embedded devices and provides a performance-oriented GUI design recommendation for an embedded device. The benchmark is tailored to common GUI applications and resource-limited devices, which are usually mounted in mobile machines. GUI applications can only be rendered smoothly if these devices have sufficient performance. A general benchmark concept is described and modeled in Unified Modeling Language (UML) at first, followed by a prototypical implementation and evaluation. It is demonstrated that the benchmark approach is applicable to GUI applications with different levels of complexity as well as embedded devices of different performance classes.

Benchmarking the Persistence of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients in River Systems.

Assessing the persistence of organic micropollutants from field data has been notoriously laborious, requiring extensive data including emissions and chemical properties, and the application of detailed mass-balance models, which often contain parameters that are impossible to measure. To overcome some of these obstacles, we developed the concept of persistence benchmarking for large rivers that receive numerous emissions and provide enough residence time to observe the dissipation of compounds. We estimated the dissipation rate constants of 41 compounds (mostly active pharmaceutical ingredients) from five measurement campaigns in the Rhine and Danube rivers using concentration rate profiles with respect to carbamazepine. Dissipation rates clearly distinguished between known fast- and slow-degrading compounds, and campaign-specific boundary conditions had an influence on a minor subset of compounds only. Benchmarking provided reasonable estimates on summer total system half-lives in the Rhine compared to previous laboratory experiments and a mass-balance modeling study. Consequently, benchmarking can be a straightforward persistence assessment method of continuously emitted organic micropollutants in large river systems, especially when it is supported by field monitoring campaigns of proper analytical quality and spatial resolution.

Nickel as a potential disruptor of thyroid function: benchmark modelling of human data.

Nickel (Ni) is one of the well-known toxic metals found in the environment. However, its influence on thyroid function is not explored enough. Hence, the aim of this study was to analyse the potential of Ni to disrupt thyroid function by exploring the relationship between blood Ni concentration and serum hormone levels (TSH, T4, T3, fT4 and fT3), as well as the parameters of thyroid homeostasis (SPINA-GT and SPINA-GD) by using correlation analysis and Benchmark (BMD) concept. Ni concentration was measured by ICP-MS method, while CLIA was used for serum hormone determination. SPINA Thyr software was used to calculate SPINA-GT and SPINA-GD parameters. BMD analysis was performed by PROAST software (70.1). The limitations of this study are the small sample size and the uneven distribution of healthy and unhealthy subjects, limited confounding factors, as well as the age of the subjects that could have influenced the obtained results. The highest median value for blood Ni concentration was observed for the male population and amounted 8,278 µg/L. Accordingly, the statistically significant correlation was observed only in the male population, for Ni-fT4 and Ni-SPINA-GT pairs. The existence of a dose-response relationship was established between Ni and all the measured parameters of thyroid functions in entire population and in both sexes. However, the narrowest BMD intervals were obtained only in men, for Ni - SPINA-GT pair (1.36-60.9 µg/L) and Ni - fT3 pair (0.397-66.8 µg/L), indicating that even 78.68 and 83.25% of men in our study might be in 10% higher risk of Ni-induced SPINA-GT and fT3 alterations, respectively. Due to the relationship established between Ni and the SPINA-GT parameter, it can be concluded that Ni has an influence on the secretory function of the thyroid gland in men. Although the further research is required, these findings suggest possible role of Ni in thyroid function disturbances.

Bipolar intuitionistic fuzzy graph based decision-making model to identify flood vulnerable region.

Bipolar intuitionistic fuzzy graphs (BIFG) are an extension of fuzzy graphs that can effectively capture uncertain or imprecise information in various applications. In graph theory, the covering, matching, and domination problems are benchmark concepts applied to various domains. These concepts may not be defined precisely using a crisp graph when the vertices and edges are more uncertain. Therefore, this study defines the covering, matching and domination concepts in bipolar intuitionistic fuzzy graphs (BIFG) using effective edges with certain important results. To define these concepts when the effective edges are absent, some novel approaches are discussed. To illustrate the domination concepts, the applications in disaster management and location selection problems are discussed. Further, a BIFG-based decision-making model is designed to identify the flood-vulnerable zones in Chennai, where the city's most and least vulnerable zones are identified. From the proposed model, Kodambakkam ([Formula: see text]) is the most susceptible zone in Chennai. Finally, a comparative analysis is done with the existing techniques to show the efficiency of the model.

Benchmarking as a Measure of Competitiveness in North Macedonia

Benchmarking is crucial in positioning companies on the market and achieving high financial results. Nowadays, processes, products, services and globally all segments of a business are subject to constant changes. Hence, keeping up with the activities and changes of competitors is of paramount importance. This work explores the benchmarking concept and its importance in keeping up with competition. Given the lack in existing literature, this paper contributes with an unswerving comprehension of benchmarking practices in North Macedonia, while providing foundation and directions for professionals. By using random sampling, we collect survey data from managers in North Macedonia and explore the openness to learning, implementation of changes and realistic goal setting of the subject entities. We conclude that most of the companies that took part in this research use benchmarking. Our empirical findings indicate that competitive benchmarking as well as realistic goal setting by identifying performance gaps are largely adopted practices in the Macedonian entities. We also establish that benchmarking is not a prerequisite for learning in the surveyed organizations. Nonetheless, the proportion of adopters is expected to increase as managers become more familiar with the concept of benchmarking and the benefits it can bring if applied correctly and consistently.

Автомобилсозликда бенчмаркинг: илғор хориж тажрибалари ва уларни қўллаш имкониятлари

The article explores the benchmarking tool as an effective method of strategic and anti-crisis management, which is a mechanism for comparative analysis of performance indicators and technologies of more successful companies (both in one area and globally) to identify and implement best practices. This article also examines the need and importance of applying the concept of benchmarking in the Uzbek automotive industry. The concept of benchmarking and the results of case studies applied in the automotive industry were analyzed, a competition model was developed based on the benchmarking methodology, and on this basis the current financial performance of UzAuto Motors was studied, 3 most advanced companies in the industry were selected and examined. Based on the comparative analysis, UzAuto Motors compared the selected competing companies on the basis of the effective use of the benchmarking instrument, and developed proposals and conclusions on its de-monopolization and competitiveness.

Benchmarks in colorectal surgery: multinational study to define quality thresholds in high and low anterior resection.

Benchmark comparisons in surgery allow identification of gaps in the quality of care provided. The aim of this study was to determine quality thresholds for high (HAR) and low (LAR) anterior resections in colorectal cancer surgery by applying the concept of benchmarking. This 5-year multinational retrospective study included patients who underwent anterior resection for cancer in 19 high-volume centres on five continents. Benchmarks were defined for 11 relevant postoperative variables at discharge, 3 months, and 6 months (for LAR). Benchmarks were calculated for two separate cohorts: patients without (ideal) and those with (non-ideal) outcome-relevant co-morbidities. Benchmark cut-offs were defined as the 75th percentile of each centre's median value. A total of 3903 patients who underwent HAR and 3726 who had LAR for cancer were analysed. After 3 months' follow-up, the mortality benchmark in HAR for ideal and non-ideal patients was 0.0 versus 3.0 per cent, and in LAR it was 0.0 versus 2.2 per cent. Benchmark results for anastomotic leakage were 5.0 versus 6.9 per cent for HAR, and 13.6 versus 11.8 per cent for LAR. The overall morbidity benchmark in HAR was a Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI®) score of 8.6 versus 14.7, and that for LAR was CCI® score 11.9 versus 18.3. Regular comparison of individual-surgeon or -unit outcome data against benchmark thresholds may identify gaps in care quality that can improve patient outcome.

Benchmarking as a tool for managing the competitiveness of hotel enterprises

The article discusses benchmarking and the mechanism for its implementation at the enterprises of the hotel industry. It is noted that benchmarking helps to increase the competitiveness of enterprises. Benchmarking allows you to identify market leaders, take into account the main success factors of competitors and adapt them to your business. As an example of the achieved results of using benchmarking, the authors cite the Ritz-Carlton hotel chain. In Russia benchmarking is not popular due to the low awareness of entrepreneurs and distrust of benchmarking partners. The authors conduct a preliminary comparative analysis of the AZIMUT Hotel Olympic Moscow with leading business hotels, which can become the basis for further benchmarking. The material of the article is aimed at forming an understanding of the concept of benchmarking, the stages of its implementation and the effectiveness of benchmarking as a tool to increase the competitiveness of hotel enterprises.

Taking a closer look at the key performance indicators in an assisted reproductive technology laboratory: a guide for reproductive professionals.

Over the years, laboratories performing assisted reproductive technologies have been tasked with a growing number of procedures of increased complexity. New technologies, including hardware and software innovations, are constantly evolving, and evaluated as potential tools to improve laboratory and clinical outcomes. The assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratory plays a crucial role in fertility treatments and, therefore, it is often under intense scrutiny with regards to performance and success rates. As the reproductive medicine field strives to deliver improved clinical outcomes to patients, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics - including the ART laboratories - are required to monitor their performance and seek improvement in the many different aspects related to patient care. Key performance indicators (KPIs) and benchmarking are important tools to support performance monitoring and quality improvement processes. The concept and potential benefits of KPI utilization is generally accepted. However, its adoption poses some challenges that may discourage ART practices from pursuing it as part of their quality management systems (QMS). Properly selecting and using KPIs will allow laboratories to successfully manage their performance and set up realistic target goals to consistently deliver high rates. Existing literature can guide reproductive medicine professionals to embark on their journey to successfully select, implement, and manage KPI and benchmarking as part of their ART programs. This article discusses the concept and essentials of KPI and benchmarking applied to the ART laboratory, as well as potential challenges and how to overcome them.

Living Lab Concept for Sensor Based Energy Performance Assessment of Houses

All the social, economic and industrial development depends on the availability of energy. Since energy demand is increasing exponentially throughout the world, more and more CO2 is being emitted out into the atmosphere, giving rise to global warming. Therefore, establishing a sustainable environment is becoming increasingly important. It has been found through research that domestic sector contributes a great deal to the rising energy consumption. Due to prevailing energy crisis, efforts are being made to reduce the increasing energy consumption and make efficient use of energy by making the buildings energy efficient. For this, realistic assessment of energy use patterns in existing houses and buildings is necessary to assure dataset accuracy. Living lab concept integrated with sensor technologies can be used for assessment of such patterns. This paper presents living lab concept for sensor-based energy performance assessment of Houses. First, detailed literature review to benchmark concepts of energy efficiency of buildings, living labs concept, sensor based assessment, energy audit, and application of living lab concept has been discussed. Thereafter, sensors based living lab assessment and living lab approach has been introduced as being utilized by the author in a research project for development of guidelines for energy efficient housing. The paper also highlights important parameters to be monitored that effect energy performance. The concept reflects usefulness of living lab concept for sensor-based energy performance assessment of houses that help in substantial reduction in the energy consumption. As such data can be utilized for both realistic energy simulations by improving level of development of models as well as better usage comparisons with modeled analysis, hence helping in identifying true and effective improvement measures

A multicentre outcome analysis to define global benchmarks for donation after circulatory death liver transplantation

The concept of benchmarking is established in the field of transplant surgery; however, benchmark values for donation after circulatory death (DCD) liver transplantation are not available. Thus, we aimed to identify the best possible outcomes in DCD liver transplantation and to propose outcome reference values. Based on 2,219 controlled DCD liver transplantations, collected from 17 centres in North America and Europe, we identified 1,012 low-risk, primary, adult liver transplantations with a laboratory MELD score of ≤20 points, receiving a DCD liver with a total donor warm ischemia time of ≤30 minutes and asystolic donor warm ischemia time of ≤15 minutes. Clinically relevant outcomes were selected and complications were reported according to the Clavien-Dindo-Grading and the comprehensive complication index (CCI). Corresponding benchmark cut-offs were based on median values of each centre, where the 75th-percentile was considered. Benchmark cases represented between 19.7% and 75% of DCD transplantations in participating centres. The 1-year retransplant and mortality rates were 4.5% and 8.4% in the benchmark group, respectively. Within the first year of follow-up, 51.1% of recipients developed at least 1 major complication (≥Clavien-Dindo-Grade III). Benchmark cut-offs were ≤3 days and ≤16 days for ICU and hospital stay, ≤66% for severe recipient complications (≥Grade III), ≤16.8% for ischemic cholangiopathy, and ≤38.9 CCI points 1 year after transplant. Comparisons with higher risk groups showed more complications and impaired graft survival outside the benchmark cut-offs. Organ perfusion techniques reduced the complications to values below benchmark cut-offs, despite higher graft risk. Despite excellent 1-year survival, morbidity in benchmark cases remains high. Benchmark cut-offs targeting morbidity parameters offer a valid tool to assess the protective value of new preservation technologies in higher risk groups and to provide a valid comparator cohort for future clinical trials. The best possible outcomes after liver transplantation of grafts donated after circulatory death (DCD) were defined using the concept of benchmarking. These were based on 2,219 liver transplantations following controlled DCD donation in 17 centres worldwide. Donor and recipient combinations with higher risk had significantly worse outcomes. However, the use of novel organ perfusion technology helped high-risk patients achieve similar outcomes as the benchmark cohort.

Structural trends of international marketing in the conditions of globalization changes

As a result of rapid technological progress and the emergence of new markets and competitors, companies must adapt their marketing strategies to remain competitive. The primary determinant of international marketing has shifted towards benchmarking, where companies seek to improve their methods and optimize their operations to increase profits, which is a pressing issue. The purpose of the article was to conduct a theoretical analysis of the concept of benchmarking and its meaning in the context of international marketing, as well as to identify new trends in global marketing that have arisen due to globalization. The theoretical and methodological basis of the article was the works of Ukrainian and foreign scientists. Methods of scientific abstraction, critical analysis, and abstract-logical methods were used during the research. The paper investigated how globalization affected the international marketing strategies of companies. It has been proven that companies must adapt to these changes using new approaches and strategies. The article identifies benchmarking as a significant trend for a company’s success in international marketing, which allows for identifying areas for improvement and applying best practices. Other factors influencing international marketing success include market research, product adaptation, branding, distribution channels, and pricing strategies. The article also analyses the challenges and opportunities of international marketing, such as cultural differences and access to new markets. The study highlights the importance of structural trends, such as benchmarking, in determining a company’s success in international marketing. This methodology also provides insight into the factors that influence international marketing success, the challenges and opportunities companies face, and the strategies they can employ to succeed in the global marketplace. The results of this research can be used to develop an international marketing strategy that considers the specifics of different markets and countries, expand the company’s international markets and develop the company’s international cooperation with other enterprises, and also to increase the effectiveness of international marketing campaigns and quick adaptation to changes in the international market

Assessment of Hybrid Solvent—Membrane Configurations for Post-Combustion CO2 Capture for Super-Critical Power Plants

The reduction of fossil CO2 emissions from key relevant industrial processes represents an important environmental challenge to be considered. To enable large-scale deployment of low carbon technologies, a significant research and development effort is required to optimize the CO2 capture systems. This work assesses various hybrid solvent-membrane configurations for post-combustion decarbonization of coal-based super-critical power plants. As an illustrative chemical solvent, Methyl-Di-Ethanol-Amine was assessed. Various membrane unit locations were assessed (e.g., top absorber, before absorber using either compressor or vacuum pump). All investigated designs have a 1000 MW net power output with a 90% decarbonization ratio. Benchmark concepts with and without carbon capture using either reactive gas-liquid absorption or membrane separation technology were also evaluated to have a comparative assessment. Relevant evaluation tools (e.g., modeling, simulation, validation, thermal integration, etc.) were employed to assess the plant performance indicators. The integrated evaluation shows that one hybrid solvent-membrane configuration (membrane unit located at the top of absorption column) performs better in terms of increasing the overall net plant efficiency than the membrane-only case (by about 1.8 net percentage points). In addition, the purity of captured CO2 stream is higher for hybrid concepts than for membranes (99.9% vs. 96.3%). On the other hand, the chemical scrubbing concept has superior net energy efficiency than investigated hybrid configurations (by about 1.5–3.7 net percentage points).

Improving the procurement activities efficiency of oil companies based on benchmarking

The article presents the results of the authors' scientific work aimed at developing a methodology for internal and external benchmarking of procurement activities for companies in the oil and gas industry. The categorization of the types of benchmarking is carried out and those that are applicable for the development of benchmarking methods in the procurement of oil companies are highlighted. In order to develop a methodology for benchmarking procurement activities, the general concept of benchmarking was transformed for industry conditions and functional features of procurement in an oil company. The process for the implementation of external benchmarking of procurement activities has been developed. The key indicators of operational efficiency and labor productivity are proposed for the stage of selection of industry competitors. At the stage of comparison, it was proposed to compare the elements, tools and indicators of the procurement logistics for oil companies. The internal functional benchmarking is recommended for large oil companies and vertically integrated oil companies. In contrast to the external one, this is partner benchmarking, benchmarking for experience exchange. The process of implementation of internal benchmarking of procurement activities is proposed. For the stage named «Selection of subsidiaries-benchmarks», its own set of indicators is proposed. Unlike external benchmarking, the internal benchmarking is focused on borrowing the experience of improving procurement business processes in reference subsidiaries.

Growing knowledge: Epistemic objects in agricultural extension work

We introduce a novel form of experimental knowledge that is the result of institutionally structured communication practices between farmers and university- and local community-based agronomists (agricultural extension specialists). This form of knowledge is exemplified in these communities’ uses of the concept of grower standard. Grower standard is a widely used but seldom discussed benchmark concept underpinning protocols used within agricultural experiments. It is not a one-size-fits-all standard but the product of local and active interactions between farmers and agricultural extension specialists. Grower standard is in some ways similar to more familiar epistemic objects discussed in philosophy of experiment, such as controls or background conditions. However, we argue that grower standard is epistemically novel, due to how knowledge arising from it is coproduced by farmers and agricultural extension specialists. Further, in the United States, this knowledge coproduction is institutionally structured by federal legislature dating back to the 19th century. We use our analysis of grower standard to focus a discussion of the positionality of the coproducers as well as the epistemic products of this form of knowledge coproduction, and we explore the role extension work plays in shaping agricultural science more broadly.

The Role of Benchmarking in Achieving Competitive Advantage of Egyptian Education Faculties Programs

The study aimed to identify the concept and types of benchmarking, and to determine the Justifications of choosing benchmarking approach in order to achieve the competitive advantage for Egyptian Education Faculties programs, and also determine the performance indicators for Egyptian Education Foundations programs that can be used when benchmarking with the corresponding programs. The study depended on the descriptive research approach in achieving its objectives and answering its various questions and manipulating its different approaches. The study constructed a suggested model that can be used when benchmarking to Egyptian Education Faculties Programs with its distinct corresponding Programs. The study also showed the complementary relationship between benchmarking and performance indicators and their role in diagnosing an aspect of the competitive reality in the Egyptian Education Faculties programs.
 
 Received: 18 February 2021 / Accepted: 15 April 2021 / Published: 17 May 2021

Modeling cesium migration through Opalinus clay: a benchmark for single- and multi-species sorption-diffusion models

Sophisticated modeling of the migration of sorbing radionuclides in compacted claystones is needed for supporting the safety analysis of deep geological repositories for radioactive waste, which requires robust modeling tools/codes. Here, a benchmark related to a long term laboratory scale diffusion experiment of cesium, a moderately sorbing radionuclide, through Opalinus clay is presented. The benchmark was performed with the following codes: CORE2DV5, Flotran, COMSOL Multiphysics, OpenGeoSys-GEM, MCOTAC and PHREEQC v.3. The migration setup was solved with two different conceptual models, i) a single-species model by using a look-up table for a cesium sorption isotherm and ii) a multi-species diffusion model including a complex mechanistic cesium sorption model. The calculations were performed for three different cesium boundary concentrations (10−3, 10−5, 10−7 mol / L) to investigate the models/codes capabilities taking into account the nonlinear sorption behavior of cesium. Generally, good agreement for both single- and multi-species benchmark concepts could be achieved, however, some discrepancies have been identified, especially near the boundaries, where code specific spatial (and time) discretization had to be improved to achieve better agreement at the expense of longer computation times. In addition, the benchmark exercise yielded useful information on code performance, setup options, input and output data management, and post processing options. Finally, the comparison of single-species and multi-species model concepts showed that the single-species approach yielded generally earlier breakthrough, because this approach accounts neither for cation exchange of Cs+ with K+ and Na+, nor K+ and Na+ diffusion in the pore water.

Increasing the Efficiency of Enterprises in Tourism Sector Using Innovative Management Methods and Tools

The paper deals with the issue of increasing the efficiency of business management using modern management methods and tools in tourism enterprises. The basis of the paper form hypotheses focused on the use of the concept of Balanced Scorecard, controlling, benchmarking, and talent management within the tourism enterprises. Based on the p-value (0.576) in the case of first hypothesis, we can confirm that there is no statistically significant relationship between the openness of hotels to change, innovation, and the willingness to introduce controlling into management. The p-value (0.004) achieved in the case of the second hypothesis confirmed a statistically significant relationship between the hotel classification category and the use of the modern methods in plan design. In the third hypothesis, we examined whether hotels focusing on the sales maximization tend to use their capital for modernization. Based on the validity of the inequality p-value (0.080), we confirm that there is no statistically significant relationship between the pricing approach and the use of capital. Searching strategic tool in management of a business in tourism is still an actual issue. Businesses are especially managed by financial indicators, but modern methods show the growing significance of non-financial indicators.

Nonlinear disturbance observers for robotic continuum manipulators

Robots are an indispensable part of modern production lines. Usually working in designated areas, they are separated from human workers in order to avoid collisions. A safe collaborative work environment is enabled by so-called soft robots, which constitute a human-friendly alternative to classical rigid industrial robots. However, modeling soft robots proves difficult and results in a lack of accuracy for control tasks. In this contribution, a disturbance observer-based control is proposed in order to improve tracking behavior. In doing so, unknown model errors are considered as disturbances and estimated by an observer. This estimate is used to actively reject the perturbation. Different disturbance observers are designed and implemented for a soft quasi-continuum manipulator, amongst them two nonlinear disturbance observers and two extended state observers. The distinction in the versions of the same observation concept lies in the disturbance dynamics assumption, which is either considered static or as a damped double integrator. All implemented concepts combined with a PD control show superior performance compared to an existing benchmark concept based on PID-like control. Thanks to the modularity of this approach, disturbance observers can be further investigated in combination with other control strategies.