Mager and Pipe's Model
In the book of Analyzing Performance Problems, Mager and Pipe introduced a model for analyzing performance problem (Mager & Pipe, 1997). The model is presented as a comprehensive flow chart with questions and directions of the answers one may take (Figure 1). Following the model, one is directed to select the appropriate solutions for the performance problem.
There are seven major steps (questions) in the flow chart. In each step, there are a series of questions that can help guide one through each decision point. Table 1 lists the questions in each step. The model starts with describing the performance deficiency (Step 1), followed by the question of whether the problem is worth fixing (Step 2). Evaluating whether the problem is worth fixing usually includes a cost effective analysis of the potential procedures, which is helpful in solving performance problems. Steps 3 and 4 determine whether non-training solutions exist for solving the performance problem. Training is an optional solution, and often the most expensive one. Mager and Pipe’s model stated that the non-training solutions could remove the performance barriers, such as unclear expectations, unclear performance measures, inadequate resources, and rewards/consequences not directly linked to the desire performance. The non-training solutions are consistent with Gilbert’s environmental factors in the Behavior Engineering Model (BEM). Mager and Pipe called these non-training solutions “fast fix” to the performance problem. Next, Step 5 is to determine whether there are the training needs. Only a lack of skills and knowledge warrants training. Steps 6 and 7 reflect the evaluation and simply the solution.
Mager and Pipe’s model has the advantage of guiding a systemic and systematic analysis to determine solutions to performance problems. It emphasizes cost effectiveness in solving performance problems every step away, such as determining whether the performance problem is worth fixing at all, choosing cheaper non-training solutions over training solutions, identifying simpler solutions.
There are seven major steps (questions) in the flow chart. In each step, there are a series of questions that can help guide one through each decision point. Table 1 lists the questions in each step. The model starts with describing the performance deficiency (Step 1), followed by the question of whether the problem is worth fixing (Step 2). Evaluating whether the problem is worth fixing usually includes a cost effective analysis of the potential procedures, which is helpful in solving performance problems. Steps 3 and 4 determine whether non-training solutions exist for solving the performance problem. Training is an optional solution, and often the most expensive one. Mager and Pipe’s model stated that the non-training solutions could remove the performance barriers, such as unclear expectations, unclear performance measures, inadequate resources, and rewards/consequences not directly linked to the desire performance. The non-training solutions are consistent with Gilbert’s environmental factors in the Behavior Engineering Model (BEM). Mager and Pipe called these non-training solutions “fast fix” to the performance problem. Next, Step 5 is to determine whether there are the training needs. Only a lack of skills and knowledge warrants training. Steps 6 and 7 reflect the evaluation and simply the solution.
Mager and Pipe’s model has the advantage of guiding a systemic and systematic analysis to determine solutions to performance problems. It emphasizes cost effectiveness in solving performance problems every step away, such as determining whether the performance problem is worth fixing at all, choosing cheaper non-training solutions over training solutions, identifying simpler solutions.
Figure 1 Mager and Pipe’s Performance Analysis Flow Diagram