COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION OF WORK MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT. A CASE STUDY: LOS ANGELES COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMEN

The purpose of the dissertation is to explore the usefulness of work measurement systems in local government agencies. The primary issue addressed focuses on whether or not the characteristics of public sector agencies and the tasks done by public employees are amenable to work measurement systems.;Work measurement systems are defined and described and their applications are explored historically with emphasis placed upon government applications. The implementation process of a work measurement system installed and operated in the Los Angeles County Health Department between 1966 and 1976 is examined in depth. A model designed by Van Meter and Van Horn for implementation analysis is applied to this case study. The model provides an analytical structure for examining relevant characteristics and structural issues of organizations and individuals involved in the implementation process. The variance between mandated policy standards and those policy standards actually implemented is identified. Six model variables are applied to determine why and how this variance occurred. Model variables for analysis include system standards and objectives; relationships between the policy implementing agency and the policy enforcing agency; organizational characteristics of the implementing unit; political, economic, and social issues affecting the implementation process; and the dispositions of implementors to carry out the policy.;A cost-benefit analysis is performed to measure the social costs and benefits of the work measurement system implemented in the Health Department. In other words, after determining what was achieved in the policy implementation, the value to society of that achievement is measured.;The study revealed that implementation of the work measurement system in the Health Department accomplished five of seven system objectives, including establishment of time standards, balancing workforce with workload, and the application of time standards in personnel planning. The cost-benefit analysis demonstrated that system benefits exceeded system costs by 3.85 to one.;The recommendation was made that feasibility studies should be performed by local governments to determine potential benefits and costs of work measurement systems. Local government applications have realized substantial benefits in a number of instances, including Los Angeles County.