5. The phase of the benchmarking process in which the team must be able to justify its recommendations is the
A. Prioritize benchmarking projects phase.
B. Implementation phase.
C. Data analysis phase.
D. Researching and identifying best in class performance phase.
ANSWER (B) is correct.
REQUIRED: The phase involving teams and their recommendations.
DISCUSSION: Leadership is most important in the implementation phase of the benchmarking process because the team must be able to justify its recommendations. Also, the process improvement teams must manage the implementation of approved changes.
Answer (A) is incorrect. This is the stage where businesses must understand key business processes and drivers.
Answer (C) is incorrect. The data analysis phase entails identifying performance gaps and understanding the reasons they exist.
Answer (D) is incorrect. This stage involves the setting up of databases and information-gathering methods.