Keywords

1 Teamwork

This paper proposes a technology implementation approach utilizing teams and teamwork. Teamwork has been recommended to organizations as a way to improve productivity, quality, and employee satisfaction [3].

2 The Model

The model to be utilized is based on achieving balance between the various implementation elements. This model is known as the Balance Model [6] and integrates the psychological and biological theories in an ergonomic framework. The factors involved in the implementation process are the new technology characteristics, organization structure, task factors, environmental characteristics, and the individual human factors involved. The Balance Theory Model is as follows (Fig. 1):

figure 1

Fig. 1.

In the model these factors interact in a systematic fashion to determine the success and effectiveness of the new technology implementation. This is a total systems model, in that any one factor can influence and affect the other factors.

3 Team Advantages

Teamwork is one form of work organization that can have a positive effect on the various elements of the work organization; especially on the human elements; such as performance, productivity, motivation, attitudes, and health. Autonomous work groups (i.e. teams) have the authority to make work decisions, which resulted in increased personal commitment, improved cooperation, reduced absenteeism, and increased safety [7].

The advantages of using teams and employee involvement are to increase the potential for improving efficiency, productivity, quality, safety, profitability, employee satisfaction, and acceptance of change. Employee involvement affects the five major determinants of organizational effectiveness which are: motivation, satisfaction, acceptance of change, problem solving, and communication [2].

4 Participatory Ergonomics

Teamwork has been used in the implementation of participatory ergonomics in order to improve the working conditions for the employees. The use of teams to evaluate, design, and improve jobs is gaining widespread acceptance. Participatory ergonomics views the employee’s participation and knowledge as critical [4]. Participatory ergonomics stresses worker’s experience in problem solving. The employee’s are in the best position to identify the problems in the work environment. The worker’s involvement in the analysis and redesign of their work place leads to better solutions by utilization of the worker’s knowledge to improve the process. Participatory ergonomics stresses employee empowerment and autonomy, by providing workers with more control over their work environment.

5 Employee Participation

The concept of employee participation in new technology implementation is to satisfy the employee’s needs and therefore increase motivation and acceptance of the new technology to be implemented. Creating the proper environment to motivate employees and causing them to work harder will result in increased individual employee performance [1, 2, 5]. Therefore participation influences satisfaction and performance, and brings about an increased flow of information between individuals involved in the new technology implementation. Essentially employee participation is used in order to reduce the employee’s resistance to change, and created an environment conducive to enhancing employee acceptance of the new technology.

6 Case Study

This model, involving teams and teamwork, was utilized on a new technology implementation in a manufacturing assembly facility. The project consisted of introduction of a new assembly method in a medium size manufacturing facility. This implementation of new technology consisted of the following project scope: (1) build a focus factory with capacity to produce 160 units per shift; (2) convert a 38,000 square foot warehouse into manufacturing space; (3) build a 5,000 square foot paint line building addition; and (4) initiate and complete the project within a four month time frame.

7 Case Study Project Items

This case study consisted of the following project items: (1) reinforce the existing building structure; (2) install welding ventilation; (3) install ¾ mile additional power and free paint conveyor; (4) install nine “new concept” robotic weld cells; (5) install a “new concept” overhead power conveyor system; (6) install a new powder paint robotic paint booth; (7) install three material paint drops, and (8) construct new offices, lunch room, bathrooms, and locker room facilities.

8 Case Study Highlights Summary

Throughout this new technology case study the following processes were implemented: information sharing, employee participation, employee involvement, planning for change, High Involvement Management [2], and the Balance Model [6].

The type of powered overhead conveyor system has never been utilized at the existing manufacturing facility. Therefore there was a high degree of uncertainty and uneasiness on the part of the management and employees in the manufacturing facility. Even though this powered overhead conveyor system has been proven to be successful in several similar mass production facilities. The current management and employees had to be convinced that a this was the best thing to do in order to ensure the long term profitability and survival of the organization.

In addition; the overall management and operational structure of the new assembly area was to be team oriented. This was a significant departure form the norm in regard to work group organization. Management had attempted to employ this team oriented approach in the past with very little success. It was thought that with this new conveyor and assembly method the time was right to attempt to employ a team oriented approach. This would be an empowered team oriented approach; in which the teams were empowered to run the entire assembly area. The team of employees working in the area would be empowered to make all day to day decisions related to the smooth operation of the area. All employees were already familiar with an employee incentive pay system, so therefore it was thought that total empowerment of the employees would result in greater employee satisfaction, improved employee motivation, and yield higher employee productivity and efficiency. The employees were also empowered to design their jobs in order to optimize their productivity and efficiency. The employees could therefore utilize peer pressure to attract like minded employees to their peer work group.

In regards to ergonomics; a participatory ergonomics approach was utilized in order to solve ergonomics problems in the assembly line environment. Participatory ergonomics consists of a small group of employees meeting in order to solve ergonomics problems which exist. Participatory ergonomics allows employees to be heard regarding ergonomic problems in the assembly area. Participatory ergonomics also give the employees the knowledge and access to expertise in order to solve the ergonomic problem. By listening to the employees opinions, and through cooperation between all the parties involved; ergonomics problems could be corrected in a timely proactive manner. The communication and sharing of information in critical to the successful utilization of participatory ergonomics. Participatory ergonomics is a useful tool to use to create employee participation and involvement, and also reduce the resistance to change with the implementation of new technology.

9 Conclusion

This model, involving teams and teamwork, explains a way in which new technology implementation can be successful; by the interaction of five different factors - technology, organization, task, environment, and individual. This model establishes a system to balance the bad aspects of new technology implementation with the good aspects of new technology implementation. The advantage of this model is that new technology can be implemented with a holistic “big picture” view of the project. Therefore all elements of the new technology implementation must be considered in order to determine the most effective implementation strategy for the new technology. Teamwork, participation, and employee involvement are critical to the successful implementation of new technology.