A Web-Based Benchmarking Tool and Database for SMEs: Research in Progress

Abstract

This research focuses on developing a standard benchmarking tool and database that can be used by SMEs in the UAE to evaluate themselves against their competitors. The project presents an adaptation of an existing tool, QuickView, already in use in the USA. The short-term objectives of the project are to determine whether QuickView could be usable in the UAE, and to test whether SMEs in the UAE could be evaluated against the 4000 US SMEs on the QuickView database. Eventually, the goal is to help SMEs in the UAE improve bottom-line performance by transforming their practices for competitive advantage.