Glossary

The program evaluation review technique (PERT) and critical path method (CPM) are tools useful in planning, scheduling, and managing complex projects. PERT/CPM (sometimes referred to as network analysis) provides a focus around which managers and project planners can brainstorm. It is useful for evaluating the performance of individuals and teams. The key concept in CPM/PERT is that a small set of activities, which make up the longest path through the activity network, control the entire project. If these critical activities can be identified and assigned to the responsible persons, management resources can be optimally used by concentrating on the few activities that determine the fate of the entire project. Noncritical activities can be replanned or rescheduled, and resources for them can be reallocated flexibly, without affecting the whole project.

There are many variations of CPM/PERT which have been useful in planning costs and scheduling manpower and machine time. CPM/PERT can answer the following important questions: 1) How long will the entire project take? What are the risks involved? 2) Which are the critical activities or tasks in the project which could delay everything if they are not completed on time? 3) Is the project on schedule, behind schedule, or ahead of schedule? 4) If the project must be finished earlier than planned, what is the best way to do this at the least cost?

PERT/CPM can be used manually, but it is much easier to use project management software (e.g., RFFlow). Operational research and quantitative management books usually provide detailed descriptions of how to use these tools.

The word “productivity” relates to the “output” (of goods and services produced) in relation to the quantity of resources or inputs used to produce them. Some examples of input are labor, materials, machinery, and energy. Productivity is basically concerned with how efficiently goods and services are produced and the value created by the production process. In other words, if a product is made at the lowest possible cost with high quality and can be sold competitively on the market at a good price, then its productivity level is considered high.

The productivity concept is often expressed with this simple equation:

Productivity = Output/Input

Productivity can also be defined as the sum of efficiency and effectiveness:

Productivity = Efficiency + Effectiveness

There are many different terms, abbreviations, and acronyms in use for productivity concepts, tools, techniques, and practices. This p-Glossary explains the terminology in simple language. Please click the topics to view the definitions or to print.

Preventive maintenance means taking measures in advance, before corrective action is needed with regard to the functioning of the equipment. Productive maintenance is when the result of maintenance of equipment is measured (normally in economic terms, e.g., cost-benefit analysis) and the result is positive (i.e., tuning your car regularly will not only prevent damage, it will also save fuel costs). If the savings are superior to the maintenance costs, that is productive maintenance. Together, they are referred to as PPM. PPM is useful as a means for enhancing productivity, minimizing down time, and maximizing efficiency. It involves keeping equipment operating at peak performance levels to help reduce waste.

Precision farming, or site-specific farming, or precision agriculture is an integrated crop management system in which areas of land/crop within a field may be managed with different levels of inputs depending upon the yield potential of the crop on that specific plot of land. There are two main benefits: 1) reduced cost of production, which helps farmers save money; and 2) minimizing the risk of environmental pollution from excessive use of agrochemicals. Precision farming relies on the existence of in-field variability. It requires the use of new technologies, such as global positioning systems, sensors, satellite or aerial images, and information management tools to assess and understand variations. Collected information may be used to evaluate optimum sowing density, estimate fertilizers and other inputs needed, and predict crop yields accurately.

Postharvest management refers to the systematic handling of agricultural products/commodities after harvesting. The postharvest chain involves a series of operations starting immediately after taking a product from the field to its consumption. Postharvest operations include cleaning/washing, cooling, storage, grading, packaging, transportation, processing, and marketing. Agricultural commodities, especially perishables, suffer from huge postharvest losses. For example, such losses are estimated at up to 30?40% of fruit and vegetables in many developing Asian countries. The aim of postharvest management is to minimize losses, maximize added value, and improve food safety. This ultimately should benefit the whole community, whether through increased sales/export earnings or extending the availability of fresh produce through the year.