XN000022-1974-03-14 — Page 37

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Thursday, March 14, 1974

"At the other end of the scale, there is the computer, which

has already revolutionised so many offices routines and decision-making

processes," he added.

Mr. Jordan said that the organisation and methods ("O & M")

approach to systems is now widely accepted and used as a tool of management

in maximising office efficiency.

It involves a total approach with a thorough examination of aims

and objects and resources employed, including manpower, utilisation of

space, capital and equipment, so as to devise practical methods of achieving

maximum efficiency.

He believed that O & M had not received anything like the attention

it deserved, and that it was an area which offered tremendous opportunities

for reducing costs.

Mr. Jordan welcomed the attachment to the Hong Kong Productivity

Centre of Mr. Hitoshi Umeda, an O & M expert from the International Labour

Organisation.

"I hope we can look forward to a closer relationship between

office equipment suppliers and the Productivity Centre in improving the

organisation and methods of working in offices, so as to get a better

utilisation of new equipment in raising commercial efficiency," he said.

"Technical advances in the field of office equipment have been both

rapid and wide-ranging. Just as it is essential to use office equipment

wisely, it is equally important to keep track of the latest developments and

cost-saving devices."

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