Productivity

Backlogs aren’t the security you think they are

Certainly there are operational efficiencies that you might be able to leverage when there is a backlog, but there are potentially hidden, but very real risks and costs lurking.

Why it’s hard to eliminate backlogs

Work expands because there is no additional work available.” If people are aware that no work awaits them after they complete their current tasks, they will naturally start slowing the rate of completion to avoid running out of work. This is very common in project-based work environments.

The power of momentum

Change-management projects can be affected by shifts in positive and negative momentum. It’s the reason that most change efforts stress the need to demonstrate some “quick wins” early in the engagement.

The Achilles heel of every management system

Management systems are tools created to help managers plan work, execute the plan, and then measure and report on the results.

The importance of volume and rate

When we study processes, one of the first things we think about analytically is to break the process down into two components: volume and rate. These are the two main drivers of cost in any process.

Variability is difficult to manage

One of the things we look for when we examine organizations is the degree of variability present. The more variability, the harder it is to manage. Variability can be both inherent in the nature of the industry and it can be self-imposed through policy or errors.

The office can learn from the shop floor

The basic principles of management don't change from industry to industry, or one environment to another. In many ways, the shop floor has been a leader in management practices.

Two ways to improve productivity in variable environments

Lasting productivity gains in highly variable work environments can be elusive. Highly variable environments are those where the work volume fluctuates throughout the day, week, month or even throughout the year.