ECIM Benchmark project in schedule

A R&D project within benchmarking methodology has been initiated involving University of Stavanger and IRIS. A small group of oil companies has been invited to join the pilot phase of the project (R&D) followed by a test benchmark process.

All organizations use information to solve problems, to create knowledge, and to make decisions. High performing organizations are better than the others at this, and more importantly, they know why they do 'things'.
However, we need a tool to reveal improvement potential. Unless we know what we are doing and how we currently perform, it is very difficult to identify improvement areas. Managers need a tool to identify gaps and possibilities for improvement, and this tool has to focus on how people actually use information and technology.

The ECIM Benchmark Work Group has made a proposal for funding a benchmarking project that will enable continuous improvement of information management in the industry. The benchmarking project is based on Information Orientation as a tool to capture how the companies use information technology, how they manage information, and how they value information. Previous research has established that there is a strong link between Information and business performance; i.e. companies with better information management capabilities show better performance than their average ?competitor?. 
The aim of the project is to develop the benchmarking tool including an empirical pilot study to validate the methodology. The result of the project will also build a plattform for further research and education in the field. 
Companies participating in the project, will have an option to require special reports on their relative company performance, and the project can provide recommendations on improvement potential and areas. The project will also provide important material for extended research and education activities.