The Industrial Revolution and Productivity Improvement, Schemes and Mind Maps of Engineering

Download The Industrial Revolution and Productivity Improvement and more Schemes and Mind Maps Engineering in PDF only on Docsity!

Purpose of Work Study

1. To improve worker health & safety

2. To improve productivity in industry

Objectives

• Design job/workplace to fit the human
• Measure the job with a time study
• Motivate workers to be efficient and safe
• Understand professional and ethical responsibility
• Understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context

Improved Living Standards

• Increased knowledge

• Diffusion of knowledge

• Freedom from war

• Capital

• A development orientation

• A large market

Increased Knowledge

• Knowledge is cumulative.
• Knowledge diffuses.
• The general trend is upward.
• Many innovations require developments in related fields. For example, the cell phone required the development of mainframe computers to process the information as well as miniaturized electronics.

Freedom from War

• The Industrial Revolution began in the United Kingdom and United States.
• Political stability
• No invasions
• Wars fought on foreign soil
• Military spending was a low percentage of GNP

Capital

• In the England of 1750 to 1850: Capital from work of the poor and colonies
• United States’ advantages:
  • Virgin country
  • Natural resources
  • Immigrant labor
• Needed on continuing basis
• Standard of living depends on availability of capital

A Large Market

• Many developments require a large customer base.
• Limitations:
  • Technology (transportation: land transport and horseshoes)
  • Politics (trade barriers: The British Empire)
  • Participation in international trade is closely associated with economic growth.

Technological Society’s key concepts

1. specialization of labor

2. energy from machines

3. standardization and interchangeable parts

4. use of machines

5. mass production and mass consumption

6. assembly line

7. computers

8. computer networks

2. Energy from Machines

• 1776: Invention of steam engine
• Electric motor
• Internal combustion engine
• Computer: mental effort
• Modern communication: communication with the masses

3. Standardization and Interchangeable Parts

• Interchangeable parts
  • Require accurate machine tools.
  • Began in 1820s – 1850s and spread gradually.
• Standardization
  • Reduces number of choice available
  • Can reduce production costs
  • Is often opposed by sales departments
  • The Japanese versus The Detroit approach

5. Mass Production and Mass Consumption

• Are interdependent.
• High productivity permits high wages.
• High wages allow workers to purchase products.
• High sales volumes permit high wages.

6. The Assembly Line

• Product moves past stationary machines and workers.
• Sequence of operations is standardized.
• Machines are specialized.