The effects of allocation of functions on the long-term performance of manufacturing cells?A case study

Abstract

It is argued that the long-term success of manufacturing cells depends primarily on the ability of the cell members and supervisors to predict, identify, and rectify disruptions. This ability is facilitated by the organization through the promotion of good human-centered concepts and practices. The effects of allocation of functions between machines and people upon long-term system performance in these work environments are not well understood and so tend to conflict with these activities. The effects of the allocated functions on the performance of four manufacturing cells were studied over a period of 15 months. The effects were studied at three levels of analysis and were compared alongside other external social, commercial, and technological factors. The findings support the view that the allocated functions do not significantly affect the long-term performance of the cells but do tend to constrain the personal development of the cell members. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.