Describes the hardware, software, applications, and current proliferation of personal computers (microcomputers). Includes discussions of microprocessors, memory, output (including printers), application programs, the microcomputer industry, and major microcomputer manufacturers (Apple, Radio Shack, Commodore, and IBM). (JN)

Many service industries are capital intensive, and the range of expansion in output per hour is not significantly different from that found among goods-producing industries. (Author/SSH)

Describes knowledge mapping, a tool developed to increase the objectivity and accuracy of task difficulty ratings for job design. Application in a semiconductor manufacturing environment is discussed, including identifying prerequisite knowledge for a given task; establishing training development priorities; defining knowledge levels; identifying…

At the turn of the century, Taylor and Ford introduced new concepts of organizing the workplace that radically changed the skills, knowledge, and work habits needed in manufacturing. As global changes redefine work today, vocational education should focus on developing a system of knowledge to educate manufacturing workers. (SK)

Finds that a press kit sent by an environmental group to midwestern newspapers influenced them to delegate local staff to cover the story. Indicates that the press's function to report or raise issues concerning industrial toxic releases and related health risks is tempered by community structure and particularly by community reliance on…

Aspects of developing countries that may make computer-integrated manufacturing inappropriate include (1) inadequate infrastructure; (2) lack of capital; (3) policies regarding use of local products; (4) many small and medium-sized businesses; and (5) management practices. Higher productivity depends more on skilled management and workers and more…

Narrates a proposal writer's experience over five weeks as a member of a team writing a grant proposal on the design and implementation of a practice-oriented master's degree program on manufacturing education and training. (SR)

Three articles discuss the importance of wood processing to manufacturing and construction industries and the need for progressive change in the curriculum; the evolution of wood-based synthetic panel materials; and the technological advances in the computer control of machine tools and their incorporation into wood technology curricula. (JOW)

A school-to-work curriculum (What's Up in Factories?) developed by a New York PBS station is giving some Ohio students a view of factory careers in the 1990s. Students are surprised at the level of job skills needed and are discovering the importance of teamwork, willingness to take responsibility, punctuality, effective communication, and…

Data from the international Work Socialization of Youth project (1988-90) were analyzed for office technology workers and machine operators in six European countries. Organizational and societal factors had greater influence on part-time/temporary employment than did job search strategies, gender, or age. (SK)

Ten production sites in the United Kingdom, North America, Japan, and Malta tested a model of worker discretion in job tasks, based on customer preferences. Results suggest that production jobs should be designed to maximize worker judgment, knowledge, and initiative, allowing broad discretion in all tasks except those that can have a negative…

The growing gap between the skills of the work force and the technical requirements of today's jobs have reemphasized the need to transform the educational system to provide the solid academic and technical skills required by the jobs of today and tomorrow. (Author)

A study of human resource practices in 18 automobile factories in the United States and Britain showed that manufacturing innovations are placing greater demands on line managers and workers. Training is being refocused to develop their interpersonal, team, and leadership skills. However, lack of time and suitable training facilities are barriers.…

The question of how to develop human capabilities to meet current and future needs of organisations has become an important issue at national, organisational and individual levels. An essential ingredient is shared understanding of the skills and competences deemed necessary and/or desirable for current and future performance. Current indications…

The self-perceived work ethic of industrial employees in information jobs (N=304) and non-information jobs (N=277), and employees' work ethic as assessed by their supervisors, were examined using the Occupational Work Ethic Inventory (OWEI). A Principle Components Analysis yielded four factors (Teamwork, Dependability, Ambition and Self-Control)…