Evaluation of productivity, performance, cost, and speed indicators in school operations management: A case study in secondary schools in Arak city
Subject Areas : Operation Management
1 - Associate Professor Department of Management, FARAHAN Branch, Islamic Azad University, FARAHAN, Iran
Keywords: Operational productivity, service performance, operational cost, process speed, operations management.,
Abstract :
Operations management plays a key role in optimizing performance, reducing costs, increasing productivity, and enhancing the speed of service delivery in service-oriented organizations. Schools, as service institutions, also require continuous assessment of their operational indicators. This study aims to evaluate the key indicators of productivity, performance, cost, and process speed in the operations management of secondary schools in Arak, Iran. This applied research was conducted using a descriptive-analytical approach. Data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire based on theoretical frameworks proposed by Sink & Tuttle (1989), Neely et al. (1995), and Slack et al. (2022). The questionnaire was distributed among 384 teachers and administrative staff selected via stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using multiple regression and Friedman tests. The results showed a significant positive relationship between operational productivity and service performance. Furthermore, productivity was significantly related to lower operational costs and faster process execution. Among the indicators, cost and process speed received the lowest satisfaction ratings from respondents. The findings indicate that operational productivity plays a vital role in improving performance, reducing costs, and accelerating educational services. Utilizing operational analysis tools and reengineering administrative processes in schools can be effective strategies to enhance service quality and optimize resource utilization.
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