A research report on the human aspects of group technology and cellular manufacture

Abstract

Abstract This paper reports the major findings to date of an investigation into the human aspects of group technology and cellular manufacture. The project is part of a larger multi-disciplinary multi-institutional research programme financed by Britain's Science Research Council. Initially the benefits following the introduction of group technology were seen to be economic and technological. Recently claims have been made which suggest that it is the social benefits which are likely to be the most significant in the future. The paper assesses these claims in the light of observations made on the impact of group technology in the following areas: (1)Worker flexibility and job variety. (2)The importance of the social group. 3)Reduction in frustration. (4)Improvements in material working conditions. (5)Status and security. This is followed by a note on the reaction of trade unions to the implementation of group technology. The paper concludes with (1) a plea for more research into batch manufacturing system...