Implementation of the AHP and Benchmarking in Strategic Analysis of Polish Regions

The quality of strategic management is one of the most important factors determining the course of development processes in territorial units (TU). In the Polish public administration (particularly on the local level), there are several problems associated with maintaining adequate levels of efficiency and effectiveness of management. Here can be mentioned the lack of analysis of a reference position of a TU to the benchmarks. This article refers to this problem. The goal of it is to present a mechanism of the strategic analysis on the example of Polish regions, using the methods of Analytic Hierarchy Process and benchmarking (comparative analysis). Assessing the situation of so called Eastern Poland regions, the areas of competition (markets) were identified and then variables available to assess the competitive position were chosen. On this basis, the situation of individual regions was compared, determining the current competitive position and historical trends.