Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing & Service IndustriesVolume 10, Issue 1 p. 115-116 BOOK REVIEW The History of Human Factors and Ergonomics, by David Meister, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Mahwah, New Jersey, USA, 382 pp., 1999, ISBN 0-8058-2768-4 Heloisa Martins Shih, Heloisa Martins Shih Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologySearch for more papers by this author Heloisa Martins Shih, Heloisa Martins Shih Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologySearch for more papers by this author First published: 29 December 1999 https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1520-6564(200024)10:1<115::AID-HFM7>3.0.CO;2-DAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume10, Issue1Winter 2000Pages 115-116 RelatedInformation
The purpose of this research has been to identify and summarize principles that have appeared in Human Factors, Manufacturing, and Management literature that apply to an ideal Sociotechnical Integration (STI) of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMTs) and to develop a Knowledge-Based System prototype that, using these principles, can help diagnose the degree of STI present in an organization that has upgraded or is planning to upgrade its manufacturing facilities with AMTs. An abbreviated version of the system, with only one fifth of the questions, was tested in several Japanese companies, where it could diagnose with a fair accuracy the level of STI present in them, showing strengths and weaknesses in the area of STI of these companies. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A methodology for studying change processes in working life combining computer-aided planning and cooperation in project groups is evaluated. The methodology is applied and studied in a planning workshop with representatives from manufacturing industries-managers, production engineers, supervisors as well as shop floor workers-and from health-and-safety agencies utilizing the methodology for planning of production, layout, and working environment. The results are presented and discussed with respect to cooperation in project groups, outline of proposals, topics of discussion, and pictures as planning tools. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Various studies in inspection have demonstrated the usefulness of feedforward (FF) and feedback (FB) in improving the performance of inspectors. However, the results of these studies are not conclusive as to their effect on the sensitivity and response strategy of inspectors. Hence, this study evaluates the individual and collective effect of FF and FB on the sensitivity and response strategy of the inspectors using a computer simulation of a contact lens inspection task. Twenty-four subjects, randomly assigned to various conditions, performed an inspection task wherein the FF and FB conditions were manipulated between the subjects. In addition, the defect probability and the discriminability were manipulated within the subjects. Subsequently, the results were interpreted using signal detection theory. Although feedback improved the sensitivity, a finding consistent with earlier studies, feedforward was more effective in assisting the inspectors in setting their response strategy closer to the optimum. Moreover, providing both FF and FB resulted in improved sensitivity as well as a more optimal response strategy. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
This article addresses the implications of the drive towards defining Reference Architectures for manufacturing companies. These architectures are intended to accomplish many purposes: to allow companies to define models of their structure and operations for discussion and planning purposes; to provide workflow models for companies to utilize in their everyday operations; to provide recognized interfaces with which different companies can interoperate; to provide hardware and software suppliers with generic functional models and frameworks into which they can fit their offerings; and to enable a wider understanding of manufacturing. This is an area currently dominated by information technology and its professionals; however, because of the vital and intrinsic role of people in organizations, ergonomists must become involved in this movement as well. This article outlines some of the thinking that has gone on, and identifies some of the deeper ergonomics issues that must be addressed. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
This article is an in-depth investigation of attitudes held by production employees. In the first part, I characterize the types of attitudes that have been widely suggested to facilitate high performance within modern manufacturing. I then investigate the attitudes held by employees within a company endeavoring to enhance its competitiveness. Results suggest that many employees have a narrow and passive role orientation; beliefs that conflict with modern production strategies; and beliefs that are not conducive to a continuous improvement philosophy In the final part, I suggest that such attitudes are not surprising in light of the organizational context. Strategies to promote the development of new attitudes are put forward. (C) 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
This article is concerned with the influence of worker characteristics and work attitudes on turnover intentions among blue collar workers (n = 199) at a continuous process manufacturing plant. The effect of a multiskilling program, introduced to part of the plant, is evaluated for its effect on work attitudes and subsequent turnover intentions by comparing three different path analytic models. Some worker characteristics (e.g., marital status, age) were found to have a direct effect on intention to quit whereas others (e.g., age and skill level) exerted an indirect influence through work attitudes (satisfaction and commitment). While job satisfaction did not have a direct link to turnover intentions, it exerted a strong effect on organizational commitment, which in turn had the largest single influence on intention to quit. The multiskilling program had both positive and negative effects. On the positive side, those who were being multiskilled were more job satisfied. The impact of extrinsic job attributes, that were viewed unfavorably, was also reduced for this group. On the negative side, workers whose job skills were being taught to others showed an elevated turnover expectation. It is argued that job-enhancement programs, rather than targeted selection, would be most likely to improve retention rates. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Production without disturbances is an ideal goal of flexible manufacturing. This goal is, in practice, beyond reach. This article proposes that feedback from disturbances be used to redefine the system to overcome unwanted disturbances. This article describes the typical features of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS). A model and a classification is presented that explains the different orientations to disturbances and causes of disturbances based on a case study FMS in Finland. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Hybrid human-computer intelligent systems for scheduling have evolved in response to the inability of algorithmic methods to handle the complexity of production in red manufacturing environments. They combine the abilities of humans to recognize patterns in data and to make inferences with computer methods for decision making. This article discusses: (1) the factors influencing scheduling decisions in small-batch manufacture and the role of humans in the scheduling process, (2) the position of the human scheduler in hybrid intelligent decision-making processes, and (3) the inadequacy of using Gantt charts as the standard interface for human-computer interaction in decision making. The paper proposes, for humans to be active partners in decision making, the primary interfaces should display detailed characteristics of jobs in a way that reveals patterns in the data and helps inferential processing. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
This article reports on a study of how seven Danish small- and medium-sized enterprises introduced parts of “just-in-time” in their production and especially how it influenced working conditions. Changes in skill demands and strains, as well as opportunities for autonomy and cooperation, were investigated through primarily qualitative methods. Three other Danish studies inquiring into relations between working conditions and advanced manufacturing equipment are brought into focus. All these studies show how divergent are the changes in working conditions. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
This article examines the values and assumptions held by producers of CNC machine tools in the U.K., Germany, and Japan. Survey findings are presented which reveal that, despite serving different customers/users, producers share similar (essentially technocentric) views on what constitutes optimal CNC design. Implications for the development of user-centered advanced manufacturing systems are discussed in the light of these findings. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Development of Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMSs) requires diverse new skills and sets new challenges for operators. It also increases the possibilities for errors. The reasons for this often lie in the organization and human factors. The purpose of this study was to clarify what effects the organization itself has when advanced manufacturing systems are being implemented. This study was carried out at 22 Finnish flexible manufacturing system (FMS) implementations. The method used was to interview the key management persons of implementation projects. For the interviews, a questionnaire about the main organizational items was utilized. The results showed that in the design process, companies have not paid enough attention to layout design, personnel involvement, and training. Deficiencies in organizational aspects have led to disturbance situations and decreased safety level in the systems. The safety and efficiency of FMS implementations can be improved by helping system designers and companies become more conscious of technical and safety aspects from the operator's point of view. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Installation and operation of flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) requires a relatively large investment of capital. Therefore, high utilization of manufacturing capacity and low downtime due to system disturbances are of great importance. In addition to productivity and quality, the production disturbances have an effect on the safety of the personnel involved in operating and maintaining the FMS installations. The aims of this study were: (1) to determine the causes of production disturbances and their effects on the operation and safety performance of the FMS installations, (2) to analyze and compare disturbance data for the FMS installations in the U.S. and Finland, and (3) to identify ways to improve safety and efficiency in FMS implementations. The survey included 14 FMS installations in the U.S. and 31 FMS installations in Finland. The field survey questionnaire included six sections: (1) background information, (2) planning, (3) performance, (4) organization, (5) training, and (6) production disturbance situations. The analysis of system disturbances was based on the data about 35 disturbances reported in the FMS installations in the U.S. and 52 FMS-related disturbances in Finland. About 12% of all the disturbances observed in the U.S. and 35% of the disturbances in Finland caused hazardous situations or accidents. The FMS disturbances were classified into design errors, component failures, human errors, and external factors. More than one-third (34%) of the disturbances in the U.S. and in Finland (35%) were mainly caused by system design-based errors or flaws. The study results illustrate the scope of safety problems experienced in the implementation and use of flexible manufacturing systems, and provide new field data that are not systematically collected and classified today. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
This article presents an overview of the theoretical framework, methodology, and research setting of the Finnish Research Program “Work, Culture, and Technology” being carried out in four Finnish engineering shops. The purpose of the ongoing study is to test and consolidate a new mode of operation, adaptable production, within the companies. The study starts out with the assumption that the shift to adaptable production calls for changes in four dimensions: group and network relations, tools and procedures for developmental activities, management and employee skills, and work and enterprise cultures. Development projects in two of the four companies is discussed in greater detail © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The new product development strategies for Hong Kong manufacturing industries were reviewed through surveys and interviews with special emphasis on the application and adoption of the Time-to-Market (TTM) concepts in Hong Kong. The study results imply that the majority of the Hong Kong manufacturers need to go through a substantial strategic change in order to sustain their competitiveness in the rapidly changing world market. The corporate focus should be changed from the low-cost manufacturing biased to the high-quality, customer-based and marketing/technology integrative emphasis. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A central part of the design of a production system is to methodically weigh the production factors, labor, and capital (machines, robots, etc.) and integrate them into a well-functioning unit. The purpose of this article is to analyze the impact of human factors on the design of an Advanced Manufacturing System (AMS). The impact is illustrated in a case study of a Swedish engineering company. An investment in automated spot welding is justified in a Life-Cycle Cost analysis. In this case, the company's economic incentives for automation were increased. Furthermore, the labor-related additional costs motivated additional automation where all monotonous tasks were eliminated. The result was a highly automated manufacturing system, offering human work tasks with more variety and less static work load. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In recent years, significant changes have been taking place in manufacturing industries. To cope with the changes and the intense competitions, most industries have made remarkable effort by implementing CIM systems, but they have not been successful in such efforts, which can be summarized into three major reasons. The first reason is conceptual misunderstanding of CIM and its optimizations. The second reason Lies in excluding human factors to build CIM. The third reason is the division of technologies and organizations. This article represents a human-centered CIM including system optimizations, intelligent workers, and flexible organizations. In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems and to design a conceptual framework of the human-centered CIM, a ''right amount at right time'' (RART) management system and user interface systems are explained. Finally, an approach to a human networking system is also proposed for the flexibility of organizations. For future CIM, the system will provide the rapid response to industrial environments including rapid changes and competitions. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
It is not unusual that automated systems in industry exhibit a downtime of 30%. Handling unexpected events is therefore a key function. Due to the complexity of the task, it is a job for the human operator. The theory of Maslow's human needs formed the basis for a Swedish study on the job content of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS). The psychological requirements on work have been formulated to be used as design guidelines of the man-machine systems. The supervisory control model, designed by Sheridan of MIT, used for automated production in process industry is the frame of reference for comparison with the operator roles in discrete manufacturing. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
This article is in four sections. The first section outlines research programs funded by the European Economic Community (EEC) and by a selection of its member states that are relevant to the development of human factors expertise for manufacturing industry. Some of the important EEC projects are listed in an appendix. This section also describes some relevant European Directives (legal documents) and standards activities. The second section addresses trends in manufacturing industry in the EEC and associated human factors aspects, including: cost management and resource allocation; traceability; total quality; production resource management; communications; standardization; shrinkage of the design life cycle; the software-engineered manufacturing organization; ''clean'' manufacture; and the distributed enterprise. The third section addresses in more detail the need to reduce the design to manufacture life cycle. The ''concurrent engineering'' philosophy is examined from a human factors perspective, with discussion of the need for restructuring engineering knowledge, and for distributed, cooperative team working. Finally, in the fourth section a number of issues are outlined that are of current importance to manufacturing industry and must be addressed by human factors professionals. These include: the need to understand human knowledge and expertise; the development of methods to help identify the right structure for organizations; identifying appropriate roles for people before they are determined by technology; training and retraining; the design of support software so that it is usable by end-users; and the design of appropriate interfaces for multiuser systems of the future. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
