ENGM 5910 -Ergonomics Interim Assignment-
1. For an assembly operation where an indexing conveyor stops in front of each operator for the same time (i.e., cycle time), how would you handle the differences in the time required by different people to perform the task completely? Include in your answer the issues of product quality and productive efficiency.
2. When designing an assembly conveyor system, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of placing people on both sides of the line (i.e., facing each other) rather than on the same side of the line.
3. Describe three steps in achieving single-minute-setup (SMED). Can these same rules apply to situations in an office environment?
4. What are the three primary differences between the factory environment and the office environment? Illustrate with examples.
5. Looking at the following two situations, show how management style/philosophy affects office design. How does "management by walking around" affect office design? Explain "shift sharing" in the context of office design.
6. How would you address the problem of industrial espionage (e.g. office design, office procedures and/or employee training)?
7. What are some key factors to be addressed in computer workstation design (e.g. where should source documents be placed for data entry into computers, should foot supports be provided, where do you place lights, etc.)? Don't try to list everything, just a few things which might most affect performance.
8. Why should work generally enter a workstation from the operator's preferred side and leave from the non-preferred side? For two hand simultaneous motions, is it more important to worry about the degree of spread between the two hands or the symmetry of the motion?
9. For a work surface of fixed height on which parts are assembled near the operator, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having the work height "too low" and "too high," assuming that individual platforms (i.e., stands) are not feasible. If the operator needs to reach horizontally (i.e., to the middle of a conveyor), how does that change your answer?
10. A mechanic wants a special wire-stripping tool; it will be used once per day. It will save about 30 seconds per use. Should it be purchased? Show your calculations and assumptions.
ENGM 5910 - Ergonomics Experiential Exercise-
Design a work station for a female receptionist whose left arm is amputated above the elbow. The duties of this operator include, but are not limited to:
1. Receiving incoming telephone calls and forwarding messages.
2. Handling/ distributing incoming mail and addressing/ stamping outgoing mail.
3. Greeting and screening visitors, including issuing safety equipment as needed..
4. Checking status of purchase orders.
5. Verifying information on employment applications.
6. Maintaining employee attendance records, including verifying medical excuses.
7. Assisting employees in filing insurance claims.
8. Issuing purchase orders for operating/ office supplies.