Cusum modelling of the dynamics of process performance improvement programmes

Purpose – To evaluate the Cusum model as a means of rapid trend detection and dynamic response classifier in a low signal/noise environment. Design/methodology/approach – The method used was the design and implementation of an IT system for automatic on‐line monitoring of press operator performance. Findings – Operators engaged following an in‐house skills enhancement programme display a wide range of performance profiles. Research limitations/implications – Identifies opportunities for further management investigation of working practices identified as leading to regression plus operators obviously learning to “work smarter, not harder”. Practical implications – A range of novel performance templates based on the Cusum model have been derived and tested on 18 press operators. Originality/value – The Cusum model is already well established in the literature. This case study shows that the model can be readily exploited via automatic operator performance monitoring and subsequent classification.