Productivity measurement and enhancement on U.S. Navy ships.

Abstract

The purpose of this research project is to examine the problem of how to measure and enhance productivity on U.S. Navy ships. Productivity measurement and enhancement is discussed in terms of analytic models, benefits and costs, factors affecting productivity, and output and input measures. A study was conducted with 26 U. S. Navy ships in which it was found that (1) the average number of men assigned was significantly more important than the amount of OPTAR consumed for repair parts in affecting the number of planned maintenance actions accomplished, (2) labor and material productivity ratios could be computed with PMS (maintenance), personnel, and OPTAR cost data, (3) ships with high labor productivity ratios tended to have high PMS accomplishment rates and (4) four factors related to the level of productivity were adequacy of tools, adequacy of supplies extent of team work, and adequacy of planning. A shipboard productivity improvement program including a ship efficiency questionnaire and a computer- based ship productivity report are presented. (Author)