Lab+10


 * Write three paragraphs to define the term 'ergonomics'. (3 paragraphs)**

Ergonomists study human capabilities in relationship to work demands. They try to define postures to minimize unnecessary injury at work and are interested in creating a fit between humans and the work environment. So ergonomics can be classified as the study of designing equipment and devices that fit the human body, its movements, and its cognitive abilities.

A proper design would prevent repetitive strain injuries which is developed over time and can lead to long term disability. The designer will need to understand the interaction between the body and the environmental factors such as the job demands. As such, ergonomic designs are intended to make the work as comfortable and simple as possible.

There are a variety of issues designers have to consider. Their conceptions are supposed to make the work as comfortable and simple as possible, so something like the liberty chair is a good investment. Employees are able to lean back and feel relaxed in their chair. Computers should be placed at a correct height and depth since there will be prolonged computer use that can be straining. The lighting of the environment is also important since bad illumination can ruin the worker’s eyesight. Employees also need the freedom to move around such as stretching. Furthermore, there needs to be a usable desk space where the desk cannot be too small or too big. References: http://www.ergonomics.org/
 * What is the 'Gilbreth system of motion analysis' (1 paragraph)**

The Gilbreth system of motion analysis is applied to mechanical processed. Efficiency is maximized by eliminating unnecessary motions, and is done through brick layering. Motions were reduced and the number of bricks per hour increased which resulted in higher productivity and decreased injuries and stropping. Jobs were also less tiring because workers had to move less.


 * Who was Henry Ford influenced by the efficiency expert, Frederick Taylor? (2 paragraphs)**

Frederick Taylor believed that people were naturally lazy and needed to be controlled by management. He invited the scientific management method where it tried to incorporate rationality and efficiency into mass production. He would measure the time it takes a worker to do a specific task and find a method that would create better productivity, such as rearranging the steps to speed up the pace.

Henry Ford used the scientific management method and modelled his factory after it. Instead of the worker going to the product, the product goes to the worker in the form of an assembly line. People would repeat the same task throughout the day, but efficiency was increased due to workers performing only a single operation. Although the work may be dull, in order to prevent workers from leaving, high wages were used as an incentive. He managed to produce cars at a lower expense and was consequently able to sell the cars at a lower price. Moreover, he also managed to increase the consumer pool because workers now have higher disposable income to purchase a car.


 * What are the four basic principles of McDonaldization? (List of 4)**

1. Efficiency: look for the best route to achieve goal 2. Predictability: regardless of time or place, it is the same 3. Calculability: emphasize on quantity over quality 4. Non human technology: taking away human skills