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Measuring Productivity—a Simple Approach
Author(s) -
Simmons Robert L.,
Tucker Stephan D.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
opflow
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1551-8701
pISSN - 0149-8029
DOI - 10.1002/j.1551-8701.1998.tb02095.x
Subject(s) - productivity , teamwork , work (physics) , plan (archaeology) , workforce , service (business) , operations management , computer science , engineering management , operations research , business , engineering , marketing , management , mechanical engineering , archaeology , economics , macroeconomics , economic growth , history
This article discusses how the Water Operating Division (WOD) of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power achieved their mission of providing quality customer service in the delivery of water through the effective installation, operation, and maintenance of the water distribution system. To do this, they developed the Productivity Measurement System (PMS), to measure the performance of the division's five district yards. Its three basic concepts include: establish a productivity goal (or point goal) for each month; units of work earn specific numbers of points when completed; and, develop a monthly plan outlining the proposed work required to achieve the productivity goal. As a result of the increased productivity and teamwork, WOD has a much more efficient and competitive workforce. WOD is producing more work than ever, and the work is being done with fewer people, at a lower cost.