System Model for Analyzing Design Productivity

Abstract

Many engineering design companies collect data such as person hours to manage projects. But the relationships between operational variables and performance are usually not thoroughly analyzed and interpreted. This paper proposes a system model and procedure to relate influence variables to project productivity. The model was tested by analyzing 190 projects of an engineering consulting company. The relationships between design productivity and various input and process variables were identified and interpreted. For example, project size has a negative relationship with productivity, while the effect of quality assurance/quality control on productivity is not clear. Based on documented data and derived information, this model can help companies gain operational insight and thus improve productivity and profitability.