CERM invites industry input to 2021 operational benchmarking survey

CERM Performance Indicators at the University of South Australia is inviting sport, aquatic and leisure centres to be part of its 2021 Operational Management Benchmarking survey.

Based at the UniSA Business division, CERM PI has been a leader in benchmarking research relating to customer service quality and organisational performance management for over two decades, providing centre management and local councils with metrics to compare performance year-on-year and against industry benchmarks across Australia.

A team of internationally recognised management researchers and professional staff provide detailed analysis and reports helping industry partners to develop and benefit from a culture of evidence-based decisions for performance improvement.

CERM PI’s 2020 Operational Management Benchmarking survey found that facilities grouped under ‘Indoor-only pools’ and ‘Indoor and Outdoor pools’, on average reported a 7% decline in expense recovery when comparing to the 2019 benchmarks. 

While gross expenses saw a minimal reduction in year-on-year benchmark comparison, gross revenues saw a significant 17% (Indoor-only pools) and 13% (Indoor + Outdoor pools) decline. The benchmarks also indicated a reduction of 29% (Indoor-only pools) and 35% (Indoor + Outdoor pools) in full-time equivalent staff at the centres.

Facilities grouped under ‘Outdoor-only pools’ did not report a significant change in revenues and expenses.

Commenting on this, CERM PI advised “this is likely attributed to the seasonal closures of such centres, which may have coincided with initial lockdowns in 2020.”

Now conducting its 2021 Operational Management Benchmarking survey, CERM PI is inviting industry input.

Key aspects of the survey:

• A national perspective/ snapshot on operational performance of sports, aquatic and leisure centres will be available at the conclusion of the survey

• This annual national benchmarking survey is the basis for robust industry operational indicators for Australasian sport, aquatic and leisure centres

• Compare your facility/s results with well-established industry relevant KPI’s

• KPIs are reported for key aspects of operational management including finance, services, marketing, human resources, and utilities

How to be involved:

1. Register interest via the email below, advising contact details and name of centre/s to be involved

2. Submit your data to CERM PI and receive your results immediately

3. Receive a complimentary copy of the 2021 CERM PI National Benchmarks Bulletin ($540 value).

The cost is $220 per facility (GST exclusive).

All data must be submitted 30th November 2021.

Registrations to participate in the current 2021 CERM PI Operational Management for Australia Public Aquatic and Recreation Centres are now open.

To register interest contact cermpi@unisa.edu.au