The factors that affect worker productivity include
the number of stock options granted to production workers, the warranty claim rate on recently-sold footwear, and the hourly rate of overtime pay that workers get.
the percentage use of refurbished equipment versus new equipment, the percentage use of overtime, and the percentage use of standard materials versus superior materials.
expenditures for TQM/Six Sigma training to enhance worker skills and whether the S/Q ratings on the footwear being produced are above or below 5.0 stars.
how much emphasis is placed on incentive compensation (as measured by the percentage of the company’s total compensation package accounted for by incentive pay) and expenditures for best practices training.
whether workers are making branded or private-label shoes, and the complexity of the new features and styling that has been designed into the models/styles of footwear being produced
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
The percentage use of refurbished equipment versus new equipment, the percentage use of overtime, and the percentage use of standard materials versus superior materials.
Explanation:
Worker productivity is a multifaceted concept that can be influenced by various factors, and the choice of factors presented is important to consider within the context of manufacturing efficiency. The selected answer reflects factors that are directly related to the production process and can impact how efficiently workers perform their tasks. Let’s break them down:
- Percentage use of refurbished equipment versus new equipment: The quality and reliability of the equipment directly impact worker efficiency. New equipment often offers better performance, less downtime, and fewer maintenance issues, all of which allow workers to maintain higher productivity. Refurbished equipment, while potentially cost-effective, may not perform as reliably, leading to interruptions or inefficiencies in the workflow.
- Percentage use of overtime: Overtime work is a common method for increasing production output, but it also has diminishing returns. While it can temporarily boost productivity, extended overtime can lead to worker fatigue, reduced morale, and even higher error rates, which might ultimately harm long-term productivity.
- Percentage use of standard materials versus superior materials: The quality of materials used in production directly affects the final product’s quality and the speed of production. Superior materials often result in higher-quality finished goods, fewer defects, and less rework, leading to greater worker efficiency. On the other hand, standard materials might be cheaper but may require more time to process or result in a higher rate of defective products, which could slow down production and reduce worker productivity.
These factors are directly related to the operational environment in which workers operate, and they influence how efficiently the workers can perform their tasks, impacting overall productivity. Other options provided, such as stock options, warranty claims, or emphasis on branded versus private-label shoes, are indirect factors that may affect productivity but are not as directly linked to the physical process of manufacturing and worker output.