Certified Production & Operations Manager (POM) Practice Exam

Which of the following is not a factor that affects productivity?

1. Use of the internet

2. Product price

3. Standardizing processes

4. Design of the workspace

The correct answer is: Product price

Productivity is the measure of efficiency with which output is produced relative to the input used in the production process. Factors that influence productivity typically relate to the manner in which resources, including labor and capital, are utilized. The use of the internet can enhance productivity through faster communication, access to information, and improvement in collaboration, thereby potentially increasing efficiency. Standardizing processes is another critical factor, as it helps streamline operations, reduces variability, and minimizes errors, ultimately leading to higher productivity levels. The design of the workspace also plays a vital role; an effectively designed workspace can increase comfort and accessibility, reduce unnecessary movement, and improve focus, all of which contribute to enhanced productivity. On the other hand, product price is mainly an outcome of various factors such as demand, supply, market competition, and production costs rather than a direct factor affecting productivity itself. While pricing strategies can impact profitability and market share, they do not inherently change the efficiency of production processes or the output generated from given inputs. Therefore, it does not serve as a direct influence on productivity like the other listed factors do.