Effective Work Methods
THE PROBLEM – AMOUNT OF WORK BEING COMPLETED
The problem being encountered, at the Traffic Operations Department, is the amount of work being completed in the Signs and Pavement Markings units. Management is concerned that work is being prioritized in a reactive manner, that is, supervisors are “fighting fires” rather than planning work.
There is a system that was created for assigning times to the various tasks that belong to the Signs and Pavement Markings units. This system exists in the Systems, Applications and Products (SAP) program. The system has the capability to plan work, however, it is cumbersome and is not used when assigning times to tasks.
Proper work planning would lead to full utilization of human resources through us of an efficient and effective system. The continuous use of the system would develop a dependable point of reference that could be recorded for historical purposes. These standards could then later be used to compare expected performance with actual performance.
These standards would be beneficial when assessing which crews were performing in accordance with the benchmark and which crews were performing inadequately. Assessing current standards existing in the private sector and other municipalities could also help to develop benchmarks. Once determined, who was performing at which level, work performance could then be reviewed with staff.
The employees determined to have been performing above or on target would be subject to Sequential Reward Levels. While at the same time, those not performing at the benchmark would receive no recognition. Hence, leading to higher work performance due to desire for reward.
HOW WORK ORDERS ARE CURRENTLY COMPLETED
The work orders are assigned according to level of importance. The most important items that are assigned to the crews are stop signs or warning signs that have been damaged, are beyond legal requirements or have been knocked down. After these items
The problem being encountered, at the Traffic Operations Department, is the amount of work being completed in the Signs and Pavement Markings units. Management is concerned that work is being prioritized in a reactive manner, that is, supervisors are “fighting fires” rather than planning work.
There is a system that was created for assigning times to the various tasks that belong to the Signs and Pavement Markings units. This system exists in the Systems, Applications and Products (SAP) program. The system has the capability to plan work, however, it is cumbersome and is not used when assigning times to tasks.
Proper work planning would lead to full utilization of human resources through us of an efficient and effective system. The continuous use of the system would develop a dependable point of reference that could be recorded for historical purposes. These standards could then later be used to compare expected performance with actual performance.
These standards would be beneficial when assessing which crews were performing in accordance with the benchmark and which crews were performing inadequately. Assessing current standards existing in the private sector and other municipalities could also help to develop benchmarks. Once determined, who was performing at which level, work performance could then be reviewed with staff.
The employees determined to have been performing above or on target would be subject to Sequential Reward Levels. While at the same time, those not performing at the benchmark would receive no recognition. Hence, leading to higher work performance due to desire for reward.
HOW WORK ORDERS ARE CURRENTLY COMPLETED
The work orders are assigned according to level of importance. The most important items that are assigned to the crews are stop signs or warning signs that have been damaged, are beyond legal requirements or have been knocked down. After these items