U.S. must learn to compete better
Article Abstract:
Revitalized educational priorities are vital to the capability of the US to meet economic challenges from European and Pacific Rim nations in the 1990s. American Society for Engineering Education Pres Lawrence P. Grayson says that while basic research, innovation and marketing continue to be areas of strength, America is losing its trade battles on the factory floor. He points out that Japanese companies spend more on manufacturing facilities, equipment and tools. The larger problem is the failure of US schools to create a scientifically and technically literate population. Corporate leaders in Japan, France and West Germany are much more likely to have technical backgrounds than their US counterparts. This leads to management based on narrow, short-term self-interest rather than long range decisions built on a firm foundation of technical expertise and liberal values.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1989
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Band-Aids and Better
Article Abstract:
Nuclear power plants are making improvements in hardware, instrumentation, and operations to avoid accidents like that at Three Mile Island. Hardware improvements are being made in tubes and pipes and also in instrument and control panels in existing control rooms. Computerized control equipment is shrinking control room size and easing problem diagnosis. Automation is increasing efficiency and thoroughness of plant inspection and repair during reactor down time. New organizations also are aiding the industry. A map shows reactor status in the United States. Tables list nuclear reactors worldwide and abnormal reactor occurrences since 1979. A screen shows a computerized safety-parameter display system.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1984
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The fewer engineers per project, the better
Article Abstract:
Large engineering companies have to be streamlined to be able to survive the competition offered by foreign companies and to increase productivity. Right now, US manufacturing environments are bogged down by managerial incompetence and bureaucratic obstructiveness which has done nothing to improve the efficiency or quality of products. The many new computer-aided design tools provide ample opportunities for productivity gains by allowing a small, efficient staff to design complex products in a very short time. Engineering teams can consist of fewer, better-quality members with greater responsibilities. As an incentive they could be given rewards based on the profits gained from the products.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1989
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