Raw

**Subject:** TTW composing costs — test simplification and methods study

**Situation:**
Composition accounts for 40–50% of product cost at TTW and makes it uncompetitive on simple work.

**Complication:**
Investigation confirms that TTW's composing productivity lags competitors by 20–50%. The department is under strain: below-market wages drive staff turnover, jobs run late, and overtime is 50% over budget. The union is pressing a new wage claim, adding to time pressure.

**Answer:**
Test simplified composition processes for simple titles, and conduct a methods study to close the productivity gap.

**Why:**

1. **Test simplification for simple titles.** Currently all titles—complex references and simple novels alike—pass through identical quality-control stages. Trials on selected simple jobs can measure whether fewer or differently timed checks preserve quality while reducing cost. Potential savings: roughly 10% of composing cost, with minimal risk.

2. **Conduct a methods study.** TTW's productivity trails competitors by 20–50%. This study will identify the sources of the gap and test which process changes close it.

**What I need:**
Approval to proceed. George Kennedy is ready to lead the simplification trials.

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(Omitted: proposed comparison with three other printers—not essential to the recommendation.)