The Productivity Imperative

admin — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 00:18:00 GMT

Abstract: The article describes how the wealthy nations of the world with low birthrates and graying workforces are finding it difficult to compete with emerging markets with much larger and younger working populations. This had made it imperative and compelling for the wealthy nations to take up the productivity challenge to produce more and more with fewer workers.

The article conclusion is that developed economies would have to deploy innovative business models to get more from their higher quality knowledge employees. This article suggests that some of the aspects of such a transformative business model can be changing the boundaries around the work–life balance or better adopting approaches such videoconferencing to collaborate and exchange knowledge with far-flung employees.

Published: McKinsey Quarterly, June 2010

Authors: Peter Bisson, Elizabeth Stephenson, and S. Patrick Viguerie

Link: Improving Productivity

A Joy(stick) to Behold

admin — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:43:00 GMT

Abstract: Faced with a shortage of skilled machine operators, Caterpillar needed a grader that was easy to use -- without alienating old-timers. While older models of the motor-grader construction vehicle had as many as 15 levers, a steering wheel and foot pedals, Caterpillar's latest version has two of the controls normally found on videogame consoles.

Published: Wall Street Journal, June 23, 2008
Authors: Ilan Brat

Link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121372801482581657.html?mod=2_1585_leftbox

Innovation @ Merage - UCI Paul Merage School of Business : Manufacturing & Process, Methodology

The Productivity Imperative

A Joy(stick) to Behold