Quality Metrics Benchmark Study

Using the partners' current practices, former strategies, and future plans, Comtech examined the relationship of quality, process, and productivity metrics tracked (and how such information is collected) to factors such as product sales, the ability to obtain additional company resources (and maintain current resource levels), and recognition within the company. Comtech drew conclusions that the partners applied within their own organization.

Telecommunications Industry Benchmark Study

This study included a comprehensive look at the processes, procedures, and hopes for the future of information-development and instructional-design managers in the Telecommunications Industry. The report emphasized the analysis of the current state and findings of best practices in over 35 organizations in 9 corporations.

Organizational Structure Benchmark Study

This study created an organizational management model that is used by participating companies to establish an effective knowledge transfer organization. Using this model, organizations are able to address specific organizational issues relating to centralized versus distributed structures, the relationships between training and documentation organizations, and the role of centralized groups within several organizational structures.

Cadence Knowledge-Transfer Strategies and Methods Benchmark Study

This study explored the relationship among publications, training, and technical support groups; how publications, training, and support staff are organized; how the company learns about its users; what knowledge-transfer products the company is considering developing; whether the company involves customers in designing new knowledge-transfer products; what knowledge-transfer products show proven successes in helping customers use software and reducing technical support calls; how the company measures information product effectiveness and customer satisfaction; and what the company's long-term vision is for developing training, publications, and support.

Evaluating Organization Size Benchmark Study

In this benchmark study, Comtech not only presented the statistics gathered in terms of ratios and productivity levels, but also analyzed the data and made recommendations for how to determine the appropriate organizational size, how to present that information to management, and how to function when size isn't where it should be. Using the partners' current practices, previous strategies, and future plans, we examined the relationship of staff resources to factors such as project management, quality of information and training, budget, types of products supported, and size of the product development groups supported.

Single-Sourcing Benchmark Study

The result of this study investigated under what circumstances single sourcing is the best way to develop and manage information. The study also provided insight on different processes and tools that are effective or ineffective in a single-sourcing project. The examination of issues such as quality standards, tools, and techniques helped establish best practices in helping organizations determine whether single sourcing is right for future projects.

Staffing Resources Benchmark Study

Comtech benchmarked eleven high-tech companies located nationwide on the subject of staffing resources for information-development departments. This study emphasized best practices that large companies should adopt in the areas of hiring practices, retention practices, and salary issues. We also recommended ways for large companies to compete for resources with the smaller, rapidly growing high-tech companies and with start-up companies.

Benchmark partners in previous studies