Human Performance Engineering

What is HPT?

Human Performance Technology (HPT), a systematic approach to improving productivity and competence, uses a set of methods and procedures -- and a strategy for solving problems -- for realizing opportunities related to the performance of people. More specific, it is a process of selection, analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of programs to most cost-effectively influence human behavior and accomplishment. It is a systematic combination of three fundamental processes: performance analysis, cause analysis, and intervention selection, and can be applied to individuals, small groups, and large organizations.

How does it work?

Human performance technology is a set of methods and procedures, and a strategy for solving problems, for realizing opportunities related to the performance of people. It can be applied to individuals, small groups, and large organizations. It is, in reality, a systematic combination of three fundamental processes: performance analysis, cause analysis, and intervention selection

(quoted from the website of the International Society for Performance Improvement)

For more information consult the online ISPI Newsletter.

Here is a great website on Performance by Big Dog and Little Dog!

MHK Creations and the Behavior Engineering Model

MHK Creations applies the work of one of the founders of HPT, Dr. Thomas Gilbert in terms of the evaluation and interventions utilized to improve performance in the workplace.

Assessment (or "Front End Analysis") is a critical aspect of the Behavior Engineering Model and prescribes that the issues and identified performance problems be analyzed systemically so as to arrive at the most cost-effective and appropriate solution. Too often managers jump to the conclusion that incentives (such as pay and benefits) and training (taking classes or attending seminars) are the only solutions available to address performance problems...this is simply not the case.

Following Gilbert's work we analyze the work situation in six areas:

Data
Instruments
Incentives
Knowledge
Capacity
Motives

MHK Creations also subscribes to Gilbert's Management Theorum

"For any given accomplishment, a deficiency in performance always has as its immediate cause a deficiency in a behavior repertory, or in the environment that supports the repertory, or in both. But its ultimate cause will be found in a deficiency of the management system"

Our approach is to work primarily on improving the management of a system rather than only working with employees.