The Navys Intermediate Ship Maintenance Program Can Be Improved PDF Download

Navy repair activities are facing an increased workload at a time when the work force is being reduced. The demand for intermediate ship repairs is also increasing as periods between overhauls are extended. In response to this problem, researchers at the Navy Personnel Research and Development Center analyzed the operation of the intermediate maintenance system at San Diego to determine how productivity could be enhanced within these new requirements and constraints. Researchers used a sociotechnical systems design method to analyze the present system functioning, identify problems and causal factors, generate and choose alternative system designs, and evaluate then on site. The revised design was effective in improving the quality of information input to the repair system and in reducing the number of rejected work requests as well as the time required for planning. The design changes also reduced the time needed to screen work requests, to assign them to repair activities, and to make firm decisions regarding work acceptance. The sociotechnical systems design method is a valuable tool for productivity improvement in this and other military settings. Keywords: Organization design, System performance, Productivity, Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity(SIMA), Military organizations.