A case study on evaluations of improvements implemented by WISE projects in the Philippines.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of work improvements in small enterprises (WISE) on workloads and productivity, and managers' satisfaction with those projects. Participating in this study from 1994 to 1996 were 9 small enterprises, 3 metal industries, 1 car parts manufacturing, 1 garment manufacturing, 1 food processing, and a few others. Upon visiting these worksites, we carried out interviews on the implemented WISE improvements and made objective evaluations of their effect on workloads and productivity. Reductions in physical workloads were found in 4 of 6 enterprises where that factor was estimated. Productivity in most of the enterprises increased after WISE improvements. Managers' subjective satisfaction with WISE activity ranged between 50-80% on each technical item. More than 50 percent of managers came to understand the necessity of workers' involvement and understanding of the activities in order to sustain activity for improvement. WISE activity can exert a beneficial influence on workload and productivity. Most of the managers were satisfied with the results. It is presumed that follow-up visits with objective estimation will provide both managers and workers with encouragement to maintain their efforts.