A benchmarking team has been formed to conduct studies on various internal processes to determine...

The correct answer is A. Observing processes and gathering data . In the CSSBB team-role material, each team member is responsible for completing assignments between meetings and applying the steps of the improvement process. In a benchmarking study, those between-meeting assignments typically involve collecting facts, observing processes, and gathering comparative data so the team can evaluate best practices objectively.

Benchmarking depends on evidence, not opinions. Team members must go out and study the process, collect valid data, and bring back findings that support analysis. Meeting with sponsors is normally more aligned with the leader, champion, or sponsor relationship, not the routine responsibility of all members. Ensuring that findings are “positive” is incorrect because benchmarking must be objective and unbiased. Assisting the team leader in planning the next meeting may occasionally happen, but it is not the main responsibility of all members in a benchmarking effort. Since the core work between meetings is to investigate and collect information, the best CSSBB answer is A. Observing processes and gathering data .