Manufacturing professionals within universities tend to view manufacturing systems from a global perspective. This perspective tends to assume that manufacturing processes are employed equally in every manufacturing enterprise, irrespective of the geography and the needs of the people in those diverse regions. But in reality local and societal…

Discusses new robots that are mechanical arms small enough to sit on a desktop. They offer scaled-down price and performance, but are able to handle light production tasks such as spray painting or part orientation. (Available from W. C. Publications Inc., P.O. Box 1578, Montclair, NJ 07042.) (JOW)

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine employees' perception of the dimension of culture toward organizational learning readiness. The study also seeks to compare employees' work experience (longevity), work shifts and their perception toward the dimension of culture in enhancing organizational learning readiness.…

Chemical engineers play a key role in industries such as petroleum, food, artificial fibers, petrochemicals, plastics and many others. They are needed to tailor manufacturing technology to the requirements of products and to integrate product and process design. This report discusses how chemical engineers are continuing to address technological…

Discusses whether the industrial way of life can be maintained without exhausting resources, generating unmanageable amounts of waste, and poisoning the environment. Provides three examples of self-sustaining industrial process systems using the industrial ecosystem approach. Lists five references for further reading. (YP)

Iron and steel and pulp and paper industries, two representatives of American industry, are selected in this teacher's guide for the study of industrial pollution and current pollution control efforts. The resource unit is intended to provide the teacher with basic information that will aid classroom review of these problems. Both industries are…

Describes a graduate research program, its academic structure and educational philosophy. The program deals in mechanical and manufacturing system design problems. It was designed to reestablish cooperation as well as interaction between university and industry. (GA)

Bureau of Labor Statistics data show the industrial sector as a whole in healthy shape, but a few manufacturing industries in deep trouble. These industries include tobacco manufacturers, iron and steel foundries, leather products, and steel manufacturers. Also examines shifts in employment and output, job quality, and outlook for the future. (CT)

Programmable equipment innovations, precursors of today's technology, are examined, including the development of the binary code and feedback control systems, such as temperature sensing devices, interchangeable parts, punched cards carrying instructions, continuous flow oil refining process, assembly lines for mass production, and the…

A Chinese university and a Canadian university collaborated on an advanced manufacturing technologies project designed to address human resource development needs in China. The project featured university/industry/government partnership and attention to environmental issues. (SK)

This report presents a case study of the Automotive Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative (AMTEC), which brings together auto manufacturers and community colleges across 12 states to identify and implement wide-ranging improvements in technical education for automotive manufacturing workers. A "Big Collaboration"--AMTEC…

Purpose: Research has found that the implementation of learning-based systems development is a complex issue since it requires the input of employees at all levels of an organization. Successful implementation is a challenge for organizations as the basic training and education offered by them and the particular experiences of the individuals on…

Purpose--The purpose of this paper is to increase understanding of how the introduction of a team-based work organization can affect the opportunities to learn at work. Two research questions are addressed: "What conditions are important for learning and competence development in a team-based work organization?" and "To what extent…

This curriculum unit is intended for use in high school social studies, technology education, science classes, and in some career guidance classes. The lesson plans and activities are to help teachers present a comprehensive unit on manufacturing to their students. Activities provide hands-on, problem-solving, and cooperative work experiences.…