The 2017-2018 Evaluation of the National Operational Excellence Index in Puerto Rico

Abstract

Puerto Rico has not participated in the evaluation of the World Forum Competitive Index (WFCI) since 2015; consequently, the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association (PRMA) created an index to measure productivity on a project level, known as the National Operational Excellence Index (OEI). As part of the evaluation, three out of the twelve pillars of competitiveness were covered: Innovation, Technological Readiness and Labor Market Efficiency. This study measured the impact of the implementation of the OEI in 2017 versus the actual 2018 performance. Each evaluation criteria was compared to identify the project development that needs attendance: Results and Culture categories. It was found that, overall, Biomedical had the higher scores for 2017 (but did not improve for 2018) and Pharmaceutical for 2018. It as also found that the variation decrease could suggest higher competitiveness over the years. This index can attract other industries to participate in the evaluation in order to be part of a competitive environment that promotes a collaborative business as part of a continuous improvement mentality, and not just an annual evaluation with no continuity.