Factors affecting productivity

Nature and quality of raw materials: 

In the world we have heard too much in the past about our disadvantages in the relative lack of many raw materials and far too little of the compensations we enjoy by the ‘short hauls’ which permit economical and costal transport services or get our materials where we need them. 

Both factors demand better method to eliminate the woeful waste which is evident in the use of our natural resources and to provide for their efficient handling. 

Basic nature of process employed 

In respect of scientific research to improve the process and procedures we use this countries has almost unequalled resources in the manpower of its chemists, engineers, physicists, accountant etc. here the drive for better methods in using what is possibly the most unable of any nations resource demands that our technologist should be used o the best advantages in constantly improving our processes. Too often in the researches and the development fields we find technologist would be used to the best advantage in constantly improving our processes. Too often in the research and development fields we find the technologist and we are dangerously short of them- doing all sorts of pedestrian work which could be done by less qualified people or by machines. 

Amount of plant and equipment employed 

It should be remembered that the physical effort a man him self can give is only about ½HP whereas the average power used in industry per man today is very much greater. Broadly speaking, therefore, it is highly uneconomical from productivity point of view for a man to do any physical work at all which could reasonably be done by mechanical equipment. Far too much of the countries plant equipment and buildings is obsolete and ill designed. This is due to a failure to plough back enough capital for modern equipment for future profit. Many whole industries stand indicated on this. It must also be remembered that even when there are plenty of funds to invest in new plant and equipment, it is still necessary to ensure that capital resource are used to the best advantage for productive efficiency. 

Efficiency of the plant and equipment employed 

This factor partly depends on an adequate supply of technologists; but equally it demands eagerness and action at all levels in a firm to obtain the best from existing resources. To make this eagerness effective, information on production, performance and cost must be available to all concerned. 

Volume, continuity and uniformity of production 

Standardization of products, resulting in longer and more economical runs, depend upon finding out the best and most simple product to fill the markets needs and the best method of making it. Some ‘customer education’ may be necessary, but this should not be difficult if the product offered is cheap and satisfied. 

Utilization of manpower 

Manpower – brain as well as brawn – is the fundamental resource. Our countries are not any disadvantage in quality at any level and, hence, there is real need to see that both general planning and detailed methods of work are not wasteful of effort and productive of avoidable fatigue and frustration.