This is not an inventory related question. I will at times want us to reflect on a topical issue that has recently surfaced and needs discussion. In view of the intensity that the Covid-19 pandemic is having on organizations it is important to look at how we define productivity. This article brings a perspective that might help us redefine how we view producitivty.

https://news.berkeley.edu/2020/04/10/covid-19-economic-impact-human-solutions/

We are all aware that unemployment is around at a recent all time high but can fluctuate for a host of reasons. Many business and financial professionals believe that our economy will continue to fluctuate for a fair amount of time or at least we may expect tepid growth at best.

Many of us in professional business, economic and policy making circles understand that we might never go back to pre-pandemic employment levels due to increases in outsourcing, process efficiencies, technological advancements and an expectation of workers to produce more in the same or less time. It is also thought that with a continuous advancement in globalization, demand for domestically produced goods and services and resulting GNP will be tempered for the long term. Though these factors can enhance productivity they also, in turn, will put a drag on domestic employment.

1) Should the study of operations management redefine the way it looks at productivity? (P=O/I)

2) Should the federal government take more of an active and continuous role in creating stimulus and recovery programs so that more jobs will be created?

3) Do we have a moral responsibility to those unemployed who want to work beyond current unemployment benefits?