Full Description

To successfully prepare for the significant upcomingchanges in the workforce, utility managers needto focus not only on incoming candidates but thework itself. This time of transition represents anopportunity to rethink and redesign work processesin ways that make processes more efficient and thatare compatible with the skills and expectations ofincoming workers.This article provides examples of ways in whichmanagers can use information technology (IT) toimprove processes such as: use of IT for increasedproductivity in the field; broadened access to operationsinformation; use of analytical reports to supportoperational planning and monitoring; and, increased automation of processes.The authors point out that implementing these technologiessuccessfully requires significant up-front work in analysisand documentation. Additionally, such business processchanges may affect skill requirements, job classifications,divisions of labor, and the way work is organized. Thisaspect of implementation must be thought through andaddressed in order to implement such projects successfully.Utility managers should realize that part of the solutionto addressing the upcoming workforce developmentchallenges associated with retirement of Baby Boomersis to modify the work itself. Includes reference.

Product Details

Edition: Vol. 101 - No. 12 Published: 12/01/2009 Number of Pages: 8 File Size: 1 file , 660 KB