The ability to plan effectively is a necessary skill for any manager to master. In the case of a supervisory manager, planning activity charts the ways in which agreed business results or productivity targets can be achieved. Organising how plans will be implemented, is also a necessary skill for all first-line managers.

There are four factors that have a direct bearing on levels of productivity. In this lesson, we will explore each factor in turn.

• Our first topic examines how business and strategic plans influence operational activity. We also consider the impact of departmental budgets on the setting of output targets.

• The next topic discusses resource allocation and production scheduling.

• Our third topic in the lesson looks at the development of standard operating procedures as a means of maintaining the quality of product and service output consistently.

• Our final topic highlights the impact of the physical working environment on employee productivity.

Commence the Lesson

To review the first topic, please click on its heading in the table below. When you have completed all four topics in the lesson, you will be returned to this page. Alternatively, click on the link at the top of a topic to return to the lesson page.

Click the ‘Mark Complete’ button at the bottom of this page to move to the next lesson.