Minimization of worker induction and training cost through job enrichment

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Abstract
Reporting on results of a job-enrichment programme applied to an automotive assembly operation, Ruehl (1974), attributes significant savings to the impact of reduced labour turnover on training coat. Despite higher skill requirements entailing longer training time, net cost was reduced rather than increased. This paper develops an economic job-design model based on the trade-off between labour turnover and training time, both as functions of job size measured by cycle time. Calculations based on empirical parameter estimates show minimum cost at a cycle time of about 20 min.