‘Old’ productivity

For most of the 20th century, when labour-intensive manufacturing industry dominated developed economies and direct labour was the main input resource, measuring ‘how much you got out’ of ‘how much you put in’ was usually not a problem:
- Output volumes were easy to count
- Input resources were covered (mostly) by counting the number of direct labour employees used or the hours they worked

This partial ratio was taken to be a good measure of the total productivity of any manufacturing company

It was also used at process or task level, when most work was either ‘blue-collar’ or highly repetitive clerical ‘white-collar’ – most workers were wanted for their hands, not heads – their brawn, not brains

The issue facing most companies at the time was how to maximise output volumes from the input resources available in order to maximise profits – they assumed all output could be sold, no matter how shoddy or late it was

Then, in the second half of the twentieth century, service industries came to dominate western economies plus quality and service levels became the big issues – together, they pushed the ‘old’ productivity ratio to the sidelines

It took many years to realise that productivity was still the most important issue facing any organisation, but the ‘old’ ratio missed much of the new picture

The ratio of outputs to inputs still mattered but:
- ‘Outputs’ somehow had to include quality and service level outcomes – effectiveness in other words
- ‘Inputs’ had to include other increasingly important physical inputs such as indirect labour, materials, energy and capital – plus mental inputs of corporate knowledge and employee motivation levels

‘PRODUCTIVITY QUOTES’

The second book in our ‘Productivity’ trilogy

Over 1,000 quotes collected over many years – some amusing, some controversial, most providing insights into business matters

A 120 page reference book for managers – an enjoyable read for everyone – and an ideal Xmas present to boot

About to be listed by www.Amazon.co.uk

ISBN 978-1-910693-72-8

‘Productivity Knowhow’ is the first in our trilogy of books covering productivity issues

It provides the basic knowhow needed by any manager at any level who seeks to make big productivity improvements

The book comprises:

and costs £24.99 per copy from Amazon et alia

The book has been described as:

“A wonderful user-friendly book” – PAPA, the Pan Africa Productivity Association
“A great book” – Senior Editor, UK publisher

To purchase copies, click on the link below: