PRODUCTIVITY MEASUREMENT. IN: HANDBOOK OF TRANSPORT MODELLING

Performance can be measured in many dimensions. A major long-term performance measure is productivity, i.e., producing more outputs relative to inputs employed. Productivity improvement can come about in several ways. It could reflect reductions in inefficiency using existing technology, a shift in technological knowledge and capabilities, and/or differences in environmental or operating circumstances that affect input/output use. There are two methods of measuring productivity: (1) index numbers of the growth in (aggregate) output compared to the corresponding changes in (aggregate) input use; and (2) econometric estimation of production or cost functions. The measures of productivity are not identical. The index number method produces a "gross" productivity measure, i.e., it measures the change in output/input relationships but without identifying sources of the change in production relationships. It does not distinguish between improved performance from reduced inefficiency or from taking advantage of economies of scale (with existing knowledge) from actual shifts in productive abilities. In contrast, the econometric approach estimates the shifts in productive abilities separate from other influences on total costs or output. The two methods can be reconciled, at least in part, and it is important to do so. Ultimately productivity gains are the source and measure of improvements to our wealth-generating ability. Productivity remains a key performance concept with a continuing need for productivity studies and their improvement.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0080435947
• Corporate Authors:

  Elsevier

  The Boulevard, Langford Lane
  Kidlington, Oxford  United Kingdom  OX5 1GB
• Authors:
  • Waters, W G
• Publication Date: 2000

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 335-351
• Monograph Title: HANDBOOKS IN TRANSPORT VOLUME 1: HANDBOOK OF TRANSPORT MODELLING

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Econometric models; Factor analysis; Index tests; Measures of effectiveness; Performance; Procedures; Production; Productivity; Ratios
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00804864
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0-08-043594-7
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 22 2001 12:00AM