The main purpose of this article is to demonstrate the methodology of empirical research to evaluate the degree of awareness and implementation of benchmarking by Bulgarian manufacturing companies. To achieve this goal, the authors have set the following tasks: First to identify the companies that fall into the target group. Second, to collect primary data through a survey of the management of the companies included in the target group. Third, to conduct a semi-structured interview with management team representatives in order to gather expert opinions. The method of partial statistical survey of a general population was used by studying a representative sample formed with the help of non-repetitive selection of units. The results of the survey will be the basis for a new approach in the development of company strategies based on benchmarking analysis.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/bm.2020.495