Optimizing Manpower: Exploring Critical Task Analysis Approach

Abstract

This chapter explains how organizations optimize their workforce by identifying which occupations are vital to key business activities using critical task analysis. Critical task analysis can reveal how many personnel are in short supply or surplus, as well as what skill sets are required to support departmental and organizational performance. Our examples are based on experience with consultation works for utility companies. An agile and flexible organization must pursue proactive measures to revisit and re-strategize its workforce planning according to the new workforce landscape. Key changes that have taken place within the water operator company for the past few years provide further justification that requires a timely transformation of its workforce strategies. In conclusion, this chapter provides managers and organizations with recommendations for managing critical tasks and optimizing manpower in alignment with organizational targets.