June 6, 2007

Measuring Editorial Productivity

--BRIAN PEREIRA, CHIP, COMPUTER EASY

June 6, 2007

What is Productivity?

• Productivity (n) : The capacity to produce; the state of being productive; the effectiveness of productive

effort.

June 6, 2007

Measuring Productivity

• In the manufacturing industry, output is measured in terms of the number of units produced within finite time.

• In the aviation industry, productivity means increase in the number of passengers flown in a particular sector.

• So it is something quantifiable.

June 6, 2007

How do you measure?

• You compare the recent yield with that of the previous period.

• Manufacturing: Increase in units; Increase in output (percentage-wise).

• Aviation: Increase in number of passengers flown, and introduction of new sectors.

June 6, 2007

Editorial Productivity

• Can it be measured?

• NOT QUANTIFIABLE– No yardstick– Not just by number of words and number of stories

June 6, 2007

Qualitative aspects and efficiencies

• Writing skills, grammar, style

• Story planning and structuring

• Information gathering and research techniques

• Analytical skills

• Knowledge: Learning curve

June 6, 2007

Job traits and soft skills

• New projects and assignments.• Versatility• Time management skills & personal organization• Ability to work under pressure. • Growth influencer• Contribution towards increasing brand value• Resilience

June 6, 2007

Team Productivity

• New projects• Project execution • Timelines & completion• Customer satisfaction & feedback

June 6, 2007

Managing Editorial Growth

• Team strength remains the same, but undertakes additional projects; How do you cope?

• 1. Pass-it-down the line- Experienced team members delegate tasks to

subordinates, new members- Look at new/additional projects as an opportunity

to learn something new, and for honing new skills- Share the experience with subordinates (for a shorter

learning curve)

June 6, 2007

Managing Editorial Growth

• 2. Outsource specialty tasks– Freelancers (if the skills are not within the team)

• 3. Additional human resources- Discuss new projects at the beginning of the financial

year (not mid-course), then plan for additional manpower.

• 4. Develop skills within the team- In-house training- Encourage individuals to do courses & learn new skills

June 6, 2007

Thank you

Editorial Performance is Qualitative NOT quantifiable