Sink (1985) presents several techniques of evaluating productivity. His three main
methodologies are Multi-Factor Productivity Measurement Model (MFPMM), Normative
Productivity Measurement Methodology (NPMM), and Multi-Criteria Performance/
Productivity Measurement Technique (MCP/PMT).
MFPMM is a computerized methodology for measuring productivity, based strictly on O/I.
NPMM uses structured group processes to formulate appropriate productivity measures for
knowledge workers. It uses the group technique to establish consensus about what the
productivity measures are and how they should be measured. MCP/PMT is designed to allow
the user to evaluate the various productivity measures and decide which are the most
important. It also allows the user to aggregate dissimilar productivity measures.
A number of other researchers use the group technique. Bernard (1986) discusses project
teams and stresses maximizing their diversity, warning that it cannot be assumed that the
manager knows what is going on. Thor (1990) talks about Normative Group Techniques
(NGT), what they do, and how to use them. He strongly recommends the participatory
approach of NGT for knowledge workers. The groups should be planned to get the most out
of the available personnel. To avoid partisanship, each group should have a facilitator who is
familiar with the technique but is relatively unknown by the group.
Kristakis (1984) describes a methodology that depends on estimation. The manager lists the
types of work processes performed in the group, then breaks them down into detailed
operations. He or she identifies who does what and estimates how long each process takes.
This is a very simple technique, but it may not be accurate because it relies on the judgments
of only one person.