Can JIT Concepts Improve Personal Productivity?

Images and concepts from contemporary manufacturing (particularly just‐in‐time production) provide models which individuals can use to increase their throughput of work. Concepts of personal throughput, inventory, set‐up times and performance measurement are introduced and used to guide an analysis of personal productivity. The manufacturing metaphor is used to provide a conceptual base with which to analyse – and improve – personal performance in non‐manufacturing environments.