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Train dealer
mechanics on
dashboard repairs
Fig : Job enlargement and job enrichment for an automobile assembly worker
Job Rotation
Job rotation can be used to make work more interesting while
exploiting the efficiencies of narrowly defined, repetitive jobs is to
have employees work in teams and exchange jobs on a periodic
basis. Within a department or production line there may be three,
four, or more different jobs, each involving a different level of
interest for the workers. If workers take turns and rotate among the
jobs, no one is stuck with an extremely boring or physically
demanding job all the time; the desirable and undesirable jobs are
equally shared. How often rotation occurs will vary from job to job
and will be affected by learning rates, the time needed to switch
jobs, and the relative desirability of the jobs.
Cross Training
An essential part of job rotation is cross training of workers, that is,
training them to do more than one job. Cross training is a form of
job enlargement and, in many cases, job enrichment as well. It puts
considerable responsibility on the organization to provide the
additional training needed. Although cross-training is often
instituted as part of a formal job rotation policy, it can be
extremely beneficial in itself. Many organizations extensively
cross-train their workers to allow for greater flexibility in using
staff and to improve overall worker skill.
Worker Physiology
Over the years considerable effort has been devoted to
studying people's physiology as it relates to their work. Statistics
on reaching range, grip strength, lifting ability, and many other
physiological factors have been reasonably well documented.
Workplace arrangements, job design, and equipment design all
require consideration of physiological factors. An industrial
engineering handbook is a good source of information on the
physiological capabilities of workers.
Let’s now focus on the Principles of motion economy
Working Environment
Accounting for the physical environment is extremely
important in designing jobs. Temperature, humidity, and air flow
all affect work. If you've ever tried to mow grass or move furniture
on a hot, humid day, you know how much harder high
temperatures make your job. The same is true for less physically
demanding work typing, writing, and studying. These tasks are
easier at temperatures a little warmer than those that are best for
manual tasks, but are harder when temperatures are very high than
when temperatures are moderate. A comfortable temperature might
range from 65 degree F to 80 degree F (26.4 degree C to 38.4
degree C), the lower temperature better for physically demanding
work.
With that, we have come to the end of today’s discussions. I
hope it has been an enriching and satisfying experience. See
you around in the next lecture.
Points to ponder