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

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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 systems; (2) the suggestion that too much academic research is geared to proving preconceived theories rather than describing reality: (3) the belief that unless researchers are prepared to make judgments about what they find their work will be of little interest or utility to practising managers; (4) the statement that group technology and cellular manufacture are worthy of consideration for wider application as they offer the opportunity to make more effective use of present technological knowledge resulting in both economic and social benefits.

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