Actually, Vilfredo Pareto (1848-1923) was an Italian economist.
He observed that 80% of the economy was driven by 20% of the
consumers, i.e. 20% of the customers account for 80% of the
turnover.
Two decades ago I was involved in an effort to create a data bank
of IBM typewriter service customers. Some customers (e.g. banks)
owned many units, and placed many calls for service, while fewer
calls came from individuals owning one machine. It became evident
that 20% of the customers accounted for 80% of the service calls.
The data base was set up to maintain the phone numbers of only the
most active 20%, as this required 80% less computer space. When a
call came in, the customer was asked for their phone number. If it
was one of the 20%, the operator then saw a full screen of data as
to the name, address and service history of the customer, saving
time on the phone keying data.
It would probably be correct to say that 80% of the work is done
by 20% of the workers; however, it would still take 100% of effort
to complete 100% of the work.
George Alspaugh
"Gregg Kervill" <gkervill%[email protected]> on 11/14/2001
08:03:00 AM
Please respond to "Gregg Kervill" <gkervill%[email protected]>
To: "'Doug McKean'" <dmckean%[email protected]>,
"'EMC-PSTC Discussion Group'"
<emc-pstc%[email protected]>
cc: (bcc: George Alspaugh/Lex/Lexmark)
Subject: RE: 80/80 rule for euro compliance?
Liars, Damn Liars and .....
I sounds like the Pareto's law from management statistics "You can do 80% of
the work with 20% of the effort..."
I think someone requoted it once as "You an fool some of the people all of
the time....."
Cynically yours Gregg
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