Development of an Analysis Methodology
for Functional Communication at INSTRON
The packing Department and its environment
With reference to INSTRON Ltd.,
High Wycombe, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Rémi BACHELET
Dissertation submitted as part of the Master of Science in
Advanced Manufacturing Systems under the
supervision of Mr. Jean-Noel Ezingeard
Department of manufacturing and Engineering Systems
Brunel University
August 1992
Summary
Over the last century, Manufacturing and Office functions have been organised as a series of specialised departments. As products and activities have become more complex, the need has been felt to add an increasing number of communication links to coordinate the activity of these centres.
Nowadays, it is increasingly recognised that the effectiveness of the coordination function is the main limiting factor in the growth of productivity.
The aim of this dissertation is to contribute to the analysis and design of the coordination function by developing an Analysis Methodology for Functional Communication. We define Communication as "The process of organising", and the term "Functional Communication" pertains to the processing of work-related information by organisational networks within the company.
As no specific literature exists on Functional Communication, the dissertation advocates a multidisciplinary approach to the problem; Elements from Manufacturing Systems Design, as well as from Industrial Organisations and Management Sciences are exploited.
After a presentation of the sponsoring company and a description of the project definition phase, an Industrial Product Design method, Value Analysis, is adapted to characterise the Functional Information needs of the main functions of the Packing department., which has been used as a case study.
Systems analysis provides the framework for this approach.
In the next chapter, some basic elements of Communication Networks Theory are featured and the Mintzberg theory of coordination is portrayed in order to characterize the mechanisms for coordination in the organisational network.
A detailed study is also undertaken of the appropriateness of the communication links (the media) vis-à-vis the nature of the information conveyed. Information requirements are depicted in terms of uncertainty and equivocality reduction. Additional data collection is undertaken through a questionnaire, which design is also detailed.
While the first steps of the study feature a "static approach", centred on the information needs of the Packing function, the following chapter emphasize a dynamic approach focused on the study of a Circuit (Spares Orders Processing) of which Packing is but one element. The adoption of this perspective, inspired by Shigeo Shingo Non-Stock Production thinking brings forth major developments in the study. Data Flow analysis and Paper Flow charting are the main tools used in this last chapter, along with a dynamic approach to the communication network.
Finally, the whole Analysis Methodology for Functional Communication is reviewed and conclusions are drawn on the strong points and weaknesses of the proposed approach.
References
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