A valid and applicable measurement method for knowledge worker productivity

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (9) ◽  
pp. 1764-1791 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jalil Heidary Dahooie ◽  
Mohammad Reza Ghezel Arsalan ◽  
Ali Zolghadr Shojai
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Worker ◽  
Electric Power Industry ◽  
Knowledge Work ◽  
Data Envelopment ◽  
Productivity Measurement ◽  
Worker Productivity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fuzzy Data Envelopment Analysis ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Relative Productivity

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a new method for knowledge worker productivity measurement which is based on valid principles and appropriate viewpoints. Design/methodology/approach Based on an extensive and thorough literature review the elements that need to be taken into consideration, while designing a method for knowledge worker productivity measurement, are determined and divided into principles and viewpoints. These elements must be incorporated into the design of knowledge worker productivity measurement methods so that the correctness and accuracy of these methods can be verified. The proposed model, which is based on appropriate principles and viewpoints, determines the outputs of knowledge work with respect to the tasks that a worker’s job includes. Considering nine measures, these outputs are evaluated using fuzzy numbers and, then, quantified. The inputs of knowledge work are knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) required to do the job. These inputs are identified and quantified using Job Element Method. Furthermore, fuzzy Data Envelopment Analysis is employed to model the productivity. Findings In this paper, the proposed method for knowledge worker productivity measurement follows both appropriate principles and viewpoints, simultaneously. In order to validate the obtained results and explore the applicability of the proposed method, a case study was carried out at an Iranian organization in electric power industry. Statistical analyses are employed to prove the validity of the results. Based on the obtained results, the productivity of a knowledge worker is said to be high when he/she delivers the expected amount of job outputs considering the values of his/her inputs (KSAs). Originality/value The originality of this paper is twofold. First, the extracted principles and viewpoints can serve as a guideline for the development of similar methods. Second, the proposed model offers an effective and efficient tool that can serve as the basis for the comparison among relative productivity of knowledge workers. Furthermore, the obtained results could form a basis to examine the productivity trend of each knowledge worker over different periods of time.

scholarly journals Measurements of workplace productivity in the office context

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 281-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon Bortoluzzi ◽  
Daniel Carey ◽  
J.J. McArthur ◽  
Carol Menassa
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Worker ◽  
Expert Interviews ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Productivity Measurement ◽  
Worker Productivity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Workplace Productivity ◽  
Detailed Evaluation ◽  
Comprehensive Survey

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive survey of workplace productivity key performance indicators (KPIs) used in the office context. Academic literature from the past 10 years has been systematically reviewed and contextualized through a series of expert interviews. Design/methodology/approach The authors present a systematic review of the literature to identify KPIs and methods of workplace productivity measurement, complemented by insights semi-structured interviews to inform a framework for a benchmarking tool. In total, 513 papers published since 2007 were considered, of which 98 full-length papers were reviewed, and 20 were found to provide significant insight and are summarized herein. Findings Currently, no consensus exists on a single KPI suitable for measuring workplace productivity in an office environment, although qualitative questionnaires are more widely adopted than quantitative tools. The diversity of KPIs used in published studies indicates that a multidimensional approach would be the most appropriate for knowledge-worker productivity measurement. Expert interviews further highlighted a shift from infrequent, detailed evaluation to frequent, simplified reporting across human resource functions and this context is important for future tool development. Originality/value This paper provides a summary of significant work on workplace productivity measurement and KPI development over the past 10 years. This follows up on the comprehensive review by B. Haynes (2007a), providing an updated perspective on research in this field with additional insights from expert interviews.

Assessing the efficiency of environmental regulations of large-scale enterprises based on extended fuzzy data envelopment analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 118 (2) ◽  
pp. 463-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuhong Wang ◽  
Hui Yu ◽  
Malin Song
Keyword(s):  
Data Envelopment Analysis ◽  
Fuzzy Numbers ◽  
Environmental Regulations ◽  
Environmental Efficiency ◽  
Data Envelopment ◽  
Triangular Fuzzy Numbers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Trapezoidal Fuzzy Numbers ◽  
Fuzzy Data Envelopment Analysis ◽  
Proposed Model

Purpose As the functions of environmental regulations cannot be quantified while assessing their environmental efficiency, there has been no comprehensive evaluation of environmental efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate environmental regulations based on triangular and trapezoidal fuzzy numbers. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses L-R fuzzy numbers to transform the evaluation language into triangular fuzzy numbers, and adopts an α-level flexible slacks-based measurement model to evaluate the performance of these regulations. Trapezoidal fuzzy numbers are combined with a data envelopment analysis model, and an α-slack-based measurement (SBM) model is used to evaluate the environmental efficiency. The α-SBM model is confirmed to be stable and sustainable. Findings Relevant index data from 16,375 enterprises were collected to test the proposed model, and models corresponding to triangular fuzzy numbers and trapezoidal fuzzy numbers were used to evaluate their environmental efficiency. Comparative results showed that the proposed model is feasible and stable. Originality/value The main contributions of this study are twofold. First, this paper provides a valuable evaluation method for environmental regulation. Second, our research improves the practical performance of trapezoidal fuzzy data envelopment analysis and enhances its feasibility and stability.

Fuzzy preference programming formulation in data envelopment analysis for university department evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dyanne Brendalyn Mirasol-Cavero ◽  
Lanndon Ocampo
Keyword(s):  
Data Envelopment Analysis ◽  
Real Life ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Data Envelopment ◽  
Data Accessibility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
University Department ◽  
Fuzzy Dea ◽  
Fuzzy Preference

Purpose University department efficiency evaluation is a performance assessment on how departments use their resources to attain their goals. The most widely used tool in measuring the efficiency of academic departments in data envelopment analysis (DEA) deals with crisp data, which may be, often, imprecise, vague, missing or predicted. Current literature offers various approaches to addressing these uncertainties by introducing fuzzy set theory within the basic DEA framework. However, current fuzzy DEA approaches fail to handle missing data, particularly in output values, which are prevalent in real-life evaluation. Thus, this study aims to augment these limitations by offering a fuzzy DEA variation. Design/methodology/approach This paper proposes a more flexible approach by introducing the fuzzy preference programming – DEA (FPP-DEA), where the outputs are expressed as fuzzy numbers and the inputs are conveyed in their actual crisp values. A case study in one of the top higher education institutions in the Philippines was conducted to elucidate the proposed FPP-DEA with fuzzy outputs. Findings Due to its high discriminating power, the proposed model is more constricted in reporting the efficiency scores such that there are lesser reported efficient departments. Although the proposed model can still calculate efficiency no matter how much missing and unavailable, and uncertain data, more comprehensive data accessibility would return an accurate and precise efficiency score. Originality/value This study offers a fuzzy DEA formulation via FPP, which can handle missing, unavailable and imprecise data for output values.

A Survey of Knowledge Work Productivity Metrics

2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Xiao ◽  
David A. Nembhard ◽  
Changjun Dai
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
Knowledge Worker ◽  
Work Productivity ◽  
Knowledge Work ◽  
Intensity Level ◽  
Work Intensity ◽  
Worker Productivity ◽  
Work Effectiveness ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Depth Interviews

This paper presents a unique comparison of work on productivity metrics in the literature and that in use in practice, with the aim of identifying gaps, and opportunities for researchers and practitioners to meet the challenge of improving knowledge worker productivity. Methods used include surveys, group interviews, and in-depth interviews. The authors conclude that several metrics including effectiveness, efficiency, profitability, innovation, and customer satisfaction may need to be given more attention when considering productivity evaluation. It is also important to identify knowledge work intensity, and select metrics that are most appropriate for each worker’s knowledge intensity level. Results provide insights for enterprises to identify useful metrics for evaluating the knowledge workforce. Specifically, for high intensity work, effectiveness is a valuable metric, but for lower intensities, efficiency may be more practical.

Utility-Based Knowledge Work Productivity Assessment

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 28-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Xiao ◽  
D.A. Nembhard
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Worker ◽  
Work Productivity ◽  
Knowledge Work ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Risk Attitudes ◽  
Worker Productivity ◽  
Worker Performance ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Productivity Assessment

This paper presents a utility-based productivity assessment model for evaluating knowledge worker productivity, with the goal of examining the assessment process for knowledge workers with varying levels of knowledge intensity. The authors conduct an experiment to discover effects from knowledge intensity on managerial assessments of knowledge worker performance. The model presented allows for the quantification of evaluator's risk attitudes and preference, as well as relative weights for three chosen productivity metrics. The results indicate that managers' risk attitudes vary with respect to both different metrics, and to different levels of knowledge intensity.

Abusive supervision and the knowledge worker productivity: the mediating role of knowledge management processes

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Quba Ahmed ◽  
Muhammad Saleem Sumbal ◽  
Muhammad Naseer Akhtar ◽  
Hussain Tariq
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Knowledge Worker ◽  
Abusive Supervision ◽  
Worker Productivity ◽  
Theoretical Underpinning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Processes ◽  
Process Creation ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Drawing upon the theoretical underpinning of knowledge worker productivity, this study aims to examine the relationship between abusive supervision and knowledge management (KM) process (creation, application and sharing of knowledge) and its impact on the knowledge worker productivity in knowledge-intensive organizations. Design/methodology/approach Hypothesis were tested through PROCESS Macro in IBM SPSS v.26 on a sample of 204 employees working in banking sector of Pakistan. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test the model fitness through AMOS v. 26. Findings The results showed that the relationship between abusive supervision and KM process (creation, application and sharing of knowledge) is negative and highly significant, i.e. greater the abusive supervision in the banking sector, the lower is the engagement in KM processes. Furthermore, there is a positive and highly significant relationship between the KM process and knowledge worker productivity. Finally, the study indicates the negative impact of abusive supervision on the knowledge worker productivity through the mediating mechanism of knowledge management processes. Research limitations/implications A key limitation is that the study is cross-sectional, and the findings may only be generalizable to developing countries context. Originality/value Previous studies have focused on supervisor–employee relationship but not in the context of knowledge worker productivity. This article fulfills this gap through understanding the impact of abusive supervision on the knowledge worker productivity in relation to KM processes (knowledge creation, sharing and application) by drawing upon the theoretical underpinning of knowledge worker productivity.

Benchmarking suppliers’ performance when some factors play the role of both inputs and outputs

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 792-813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahdi Mahdiloo ◽  
Abdollah Noorizadeh ◽  
Reza Farzipoor Saen
Keyword(s):  
Dual Role ◽  
Data Envelopment ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Complete Ranking ◽  
Evaluation Platform ◽  
First Time ◽  
Supplier Selection Problem

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a slack-based measure (SBM) model in the presence of dual-role factor. Then it is applied in supplier selection problem. Design/methodology/approach – The developed model in this paper is based on data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique. Findings – The proposed evaluation platform is capable of identifying ill-performing suppliers which seek to future improvement. The findings provide valuable insights for practitioners, as well as academicians, policy makers and also integrate selection criteria under the supply chain. Originality/value – This is the first time that a non-radial DEA model considers dual-role factors. The proposed model does not deal with dual-role factor as a non-discretionary factor. The proposed model considers dual-role factors on both the input and output sides in a similar manner. The proposed model can fully measure the inefficiency of suppliers. The proposed model can give a complete ranking of suppliers.

Data envelopment analysis with interactive variables

2015 ◽  
Vol 53 (10) ◽  
pp. 2390-2406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aibing Ji ◽  
Hui Liu ◽  
Hong-jie Qiu ◽  
Haobo Lin
Keyword(s):  
Data Envelopment Analysis ◽  
Special Form ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Data Envelopment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dea Model ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Choquet Integrals ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Decision Making Units

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to build a novel data envelopment analysis (DEA) model to evaluate the efficiencies of decision making units (DMUs). Design/methodology/approach – Using the Choquet integrals as aggregating tool, the authors give a novel DEA model to evaluate the efficiencies of DMUs. Findings – It extends DEA model to evaluate the DMU with interactive variables (inputs or outputs), the classical DEA model is a special form. At last, the authors use the numerical examples to illustrate the performance of the proposed model. Practical implications – The proposed DEA model can be used to evaluate the efficiency of the DMUs with multiple interactive inputs and outputs. Originality/value – This paper introduce a new DEA model to evaluate the DMU with interactive variables (inputs or outputs), the classical DEA model is a special form.

What matters for knowledge work productivity?

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 209-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miikka Palvalin
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Knowledge Worker ◽  
Work Productivity ◽  
Knowledge Work ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Work Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results ◽  
What Matters

Purpose Knowledge work productivity is a well-studied topic in the existing literature, but it has focussed mainly on two things. First, there are many theoretical models lacking empirical research, and second, there is a very specific research regarding how something impacts productivity. The purpose of this paper is to collect empirical data and test the conceptual model of knowledge work productivity in practice. The paper also provides information on how different drivers of knowledge work productivity have an impact on productivity. Design/methodology/approach Through the survey method, data were collected from 998 knowledge workers from Finland. Then, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to confirm the knowledge work productivity dimensions of the conceptual model. Later, regression analysis was used to analyse the impacts of knowledge factors on productivity. Findings This paper increases the understanding of what matters for knowledge work productivity, with statistical analysis. The conceptual model of knowledge work productivity consists of two major elements: the knowledge worker and the work environment. The study results showed that the knowledge worker has the biggest impact on productivity through his or her well-being and work practices. The social environment was also found to be a significant driver. The results could not confirm or refute the role of the physical or virtual environment in knowledge work productivity. Practical implications The practical value of the study lies in the analysis results. The information generated about the factors impacting productivity can be used to improve knowledge work productivity. In addition, the limited resources available for organisational development will have the greatest return if they are used to increase intangible assets, i.e., management and work practices. Originality/value While it is well known that many factors are essential for knowledge work productivity, relatively few studies have examined it from as many dimensions at the same time as this study. This study adds value to the literature by providing information on which factors have the greatest influence on productivity.

Developing a novel data envelopment analysis model to determine prospective benchmarks of green supply chain in the presence of dual-role factor

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 711-730 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Shabani ◽  
Reza Farzipoor Saen
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Data Envelopment Analysis ◽  
Critical Path ◽  
Dual Role ◽  
Green Supply Chain ◽  
Data Envelopment Analysis Model ◽  
Data Envelopment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Inputs And Outputs

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a model based on data envelopment analysis (DEA) and program evaluation and review technique/critical path method (PERT/CPM) for determining prospective benchmarks. Design/methodology/approach – The idea of determining prospective benchmark is needed for developing a model for future planning where inputs and outputs of systems are influenced by external factors such as economic conditions, demographic changes, and other socio-economic factors. In this paper, the PERT/CPM method estimates prospective inputs and outputs. On the other hand, in particular systems some measures play the role of both input and output. Such factors in DEA literature are called dual-role factors. This paper integrates PERT/CPM technique and the DEA. Findings – The results of the proposed model depict that a present benchmark may not be a benchmark in future. A numerical example validates the proposed model. Originality/value – This paper, for the first time, applies the PERT/CPM technique to incorporate the ideas for identifying prospective benchmarks. Moreover, the proposed model is an alternative solution for classifying inputs and outputs in DEA. Also, the proposed model is utilized in benchmarking green supply chain management.

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