An Examination of the Relationship Between Advanced Manufacturing Technologies and Workforce Development Activities

Download or read book An Examination of the Relationship Between Advanced Manufacturing Technologies and Workforce Development Activities written by Nancy E. Waldeck and published by . This book was released on 1998 with total page 618 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This study examines the relationship between organizational performance, advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) and workforce development activities. A model of this relationship is proposed with the workplace needs acting as a mediator between technology (AMTs) and workforce development activities. This survey research examined the technology and developmental practices of manufacturing plants within a variety of industries in one Midwest state. Four types of organizational performance were measured including human resources, productivity, cost and market position. Results from correlation, hierarchical regression and structural equation modeling (SEM) indicate modest support for the relationship between technology, workforce development and organizational performance. However, findings provide strong support for the relationship between relational and skill needs and plant emphasis on workforce development activities. Tentative findings indicate a positive relationship may exist use of AMTs and the reduction of negative human resource behaviors (i.e., voluntary turnover, absenteeism). The use of multiple measures to represent workforce development is also supported.