Unions and technology adoption: A qualitative analysis of the use of real-time control systems in U.S. coal firms.
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Albert N. Link, Professor (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Abstract: In recent decades, many manufacturing firms have adopted new technologies, such as computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), computer numerical control (CNC), and just-in-time production (JIT) systems. Implementation of these diffuse technologies can have a dramatic impact on the work environment since they may simultaneously result in downsizing (labor-saving innovations), retraining of the remaining work force ("skill upgrading"), and changes in job responsibilities resulting from integration across the functional areas of business (marketing, manufacturing, R&D, accounting/finance, logistics, purchasing, and product design). A concomitant trend in manufacturing industries is a precipitous decline in the rate of private sector unionization (Potter, 2001), which has been especially steep in the coal mining industry. Thus, a natural question arises as to the nature of the relationship between unions and implementation of these new technologies.[ 1]
Unions and technology adoption: A qualitative analysis of the use of real-time control systems in U.S. coal firms.
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Created on 8/6/2013
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Language: English
- Date: 2002
- Keywords
- trade unions, coal firms, technology, technological change, mining industry, coal industry, production management, labor research, technology adoption