March2019 ISE magazine

FEATURES

Following in Frederick Taylor's footsteps with Alcoa ergonomics

I learned about Frederick Taylor, the founder of scientific management, while studying ergonomics at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, under the late Stephan Konz. After graduate school, I accepted a position as plant ergonomist at Alcoa’s Warrick Operations facility in Newburgh, Indiana, in February 1992. As Taylor had gotten his start in the primary metals industry, I was in the "thick of things" with nearly 4,000 employees and, in a way, walking in Taylor’s footsteps.
By Timothy Pottorff

Freight expectations: Growing port seeks logistic expertise

Shipping goods across the world’s oceans was among humankind’s early methods of trading across long distances and remains a key cog in the global supply chain, even in an era of high-tech commerce and increased air freight. So governments of the United States and state of Georgia are funding a 10-year, $2.5 billion plan to expand the Port of Savannah on the Atlantic coast to serve larger vessels and greater volume of cargo. To help guide that expansion, the Georgia Ports Authority is turning to other groups for their logistics expertise.
By Keith Albertson

Why and how to develop sustainable production standards

There are volumes of research and proven procedures on how to develop effective production standards, yet there is no one way to establish and implement standards for all situations. This article intends to establish an understanding for management that effective production standards are required and achievable.
By Timothy Stansfield and Luke Stansfield

Economics of quality: A strategy for growth

No business can survive long term without quality. Most business leaders are aware of this fact, but some still view quality only as a necessary evil. Some may view quality as nothing but paperwork. We want to move away from this negative approach to quality and instead fit quality into the economic model of the business.
By Kaiwen Cheng

4 workspace updates to improve productivity

According to a study, the physical workspace affects the mental workspace and office managers need to take notice. How is it possible to keep employees engaged and on-task during their time in the office? The solution may lie in the design of employee workstations and common areas.
By Nicole Groshek