Industrial Management & Data Systems

Taylor, David

1992 Industrial Management & Data Systems

doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000001442

Examines the major current approaches to organizational analysis,namely accounting, marketing, behavioural, management services,consultative, systems and total quality. Describes an outline sketch ofeach showing the basic philosophy adopted and the techniques utilized.Discusses the limitations of the adoption by management of any oneapproach and the selection of the expert, as this tends tolead to the definition of the problem, and hence to asolution related directly to the adopted approachexpert.This will give rise to an oversimplification of the true organizationalcomplexity and may lead to a loss of overall organizationaleffectiveness. Suggests a number of guidelines for management, to assistin the handling of a process of organizational effectiveness improvementthrough organizational analysis and the use of experts.

Krueger, R.; Galletly, John; Bicheno, J.

1992 Industrial Management & Data Systems

doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000001443

Traditional computerbased material requirements planning MRPsystems are usually implemented on large, minicomputer systems. The MRPmodule is frequently one, albeit a central one, of a complex of modulestogether referred to as MRP II or Manufacturing Resources Planning.These systems, although ideal for reallife, daytoday use, can presenta problem when used for training purposes. The sheer number offacilities available and consequent complexity of use often means that alengthy training period is required. Describes a PCbased MRP simulationpackage which encompasses the main features of existing MRP packagesavailable in industry. As such, the package is ideal for trainingpurposes. It allows typical MRP activities to be performed and basicknowledge of the most important MRP features to be gained. Greatemphasis has been placed on a userfriendly interface. Describes thePCbased training system, the first of a series which will eventuallycover several MRP II modules.

Moore, John C.

1992 Industrial Management & Data Systems

doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000001444

The proliferation of workstations throughout the engineering andmanufacturing industries generally means that the tremendous amounts ofdata that are becoming available need to be managed in an efficient andintegrated way. Examines the organizational, financial and technicalimplications involved in the implementation of accessing and sharinginformation and the various systems available to enable this to beachieved successfully.

Lin, Binshan; Vassar, John A.

1992 Industrial Management & Data Systems

doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000001445

Investigates the three significant implications of the servicefactory for manufacturing managers 1 the service factory is strategicin nature, 2 the dimensions and attributes of the service factoryshould be addressed, and 3 managerial aspects must be included.

Cooper, Charles H.; Kleiner, Brian H.

1992 Industrial Management & Data Systems

doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000001446

Computer literacy is a nebulous term which defies a clear andconcise definition. The inability to define this term properly makes itdifficult for managers to gain a clear understanding of their roles asthey apply to computer literacy. Presents concepts which will enablemanagers to understand computer literacy better. The main emphasis isbased on a model known as ASK Awareness, Skill, Knowledge. Thesefactors help to provide an effective method of defining a managers roleas it pertains to the various elements of computer literacy. Addressesthe role of training as it pertains to managers and organizations.