Phasing and Utilization of Engineering Personnel

A model is presented which permits an analysis of management policy relative to the utilization of engineering manpower. The model is derived by considering the flow of engineering personnel through an organization and the cost attributable to the flow. Analysis of the model indicates that costs will be minimized where engineering policies allow a smooth flow of manpower through the organization. Relative to the cost considered, smooth flow can most readily be achieved by a rather unorthodox organizational structure-the inverted pyramid. Since other costs normally prevent the use of inverted pyramids, another method of approaching the smooth flow idea is explored, in particular, the tactic of varying the time that engineers spend in grade.