Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) are systems that can be programed to alter their procedures to suit varying production requirements. Use of and trends related to these systems in the United States and foreign countries are discussed. A detailed diagram of a hypothetical FMS is provided. (JN)

Describes changes in the design of products and in planning, managing, and coordinating their manufacture. Focuses on discrete-products manufacturing industries, encompassing the fabrication and assembly of automobiles, aircraft, computers and microelectric components of computers, furniture, appliances, foods, clothing, building materials, and…

Outlines major effects that the application of micro-electronics devices in products/processes and in office systems will have on future manpower and skill requirements in manufacturing organizations. Identifies the type of problems these changes will pose for manpower managers. Provides general guidelines for the successful management of these…

Analysis of Modern Apprenticeships (n=2,222) in Devon and Cornwall was conducted in four industries: engineering manufacturing, hospitality, construction, and agriculture. Apprenticeship appeared to be a feasible vocational alternative to full-time education, attracting high-quality students. Trainers and career counselors played a crucial role in…

Explored the relationship between the 1998 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) weight guidelines and concurrent medical costs among 177,971 employees, retirees, and adult dependents from a nationwide manufacturing corporation. Results indicated that the six weight groups defined by the NHLBI guidelines were consistent with concurrent…

A survey of 100 manufacturing companies in the United Kingdom identified evaluation methods for and barriers to effective training program implementation. Most felt their programs did not reach full potential in terms of higher productivity, performance, and improved quality. A program assessment model and policy recommendations were proposed.…

The shift in employment from manufacturing to services in 1981-86 slowed the increase in average annual pay of U.S. nonagricultural workers, with greater impact in nonmetro than metro areas. However, the distribution of employment in high, middle, and low paying jobs changed little. (Author/SV)

Discussed is the Taguchi method for reducing variance by experimental design. Some examples in quality control in Japan and America are presented. Some criticisms of the method are summarized. (YP)

Examines the relation between opportunity for promotion in work organizations and promotion attitudes. Reveals that effects of opportunity variables on promotion attitudes are significant even when age, education, and gender are controlled. Argues that one dimension of opportunity is embodied in workers perceptions of fairness and accessibility of…

Discusses a survey of firms undergoing various stages of modernization and assesses the attitudes of those who will be directly involved with productivity-enhancing changes in the work environment. States that management and labor must work toward improved work environment if the United States is to regain its share of the world market for…

The Malaysian government has committed itself to become a manufacturing leader by 2020. To that end, they have developed educational strategies and prepared a cadre of instructors educated in a process that stresses integration of theory and application. (JOW)

Examination of production jobs in 93 manufacturing firms (1978-86) and clerical jobs in 211 firms (1978-88) suggests (1) significant upskilling within most production jobs; (2) in clerical jobs, an even split between raised and lowered skill levels; and (3) decreasing skill levels associated with office automation. (SK)

Rochester, New York, is globally competitive in optics manufacturing because of cooperative, strategic use of community resources: (1) collaboration of the University of Rochester and industry in the Center for Optics Manufacturing; (2) business cooperation in reform of the schools system; and (3) emphasis on total quality. (SK)

Decentralized training was used by a U.S. corporation to improve the skills of its Latin American service technicians. The decentralized approach proved a cost-effective way to provide up-to-date training with sensitivity to different cultural contexts. (SK)