• Semester 2 (Day)
• Semester 2 (External)

Synopsis

The  design  and organisation of methods used in manufacturing  is  of
fundamental importance to a manufacturing firm.  Methods may  also  be
termed  the  management  of  a process,  the  way  in  which  physical
facilities are arranged to provide an environment which is inducive to
efficient, fast transformation.  A measure of this efficiency  is  the
time  in  which  the transformation occurs.  Time  being  one  of  the
critical factors involved in the measurement of productivity.

The  transformation process requires an exact knowledge of  the  size,
shape  and  finish desired on the finished product.  In manufacturing,
the  ability to measure accurately both size and form, is of paramount
importance to the quality and performance of the finished product.

Because  of  the  wide  diversity of types of process,  materials  and
products associated with manufacturing, the management function  of  a
firm must be highly organised, efficient and responsive to provide  an
environment capable of meeting the demands and needs of its customers.
Engineers  must keep abreast with advancing technology to ensure  that
their products remain competitive.

Computer technology has made tremendous inroads into the manufacturing
scene  over  the  past  decade  and firms  must  incorporate  computer
monitoring  and control in their operations if they are to  remain  in
today's manufacturing arena.