From technology research to the practice of group-based manufacturing under multi-partner projects

The process of technology design in the implementation of cellular work arrangements is examined through an empirical analysis of the Commonwealth Scientific Research Organization's experience of industrial collaboration. Some background information is provided on cellular work arrangements prior to an account of the collaborative design and introduction of work cells at an automotive component manufacturing plant. The research data presented are also used to address the question of how technology development may place design constraints on organizational restructuring and to illustrate the political nature of industrial collaboration. It is argued that, as a growing number of companies embark on collaborative initiatives, it is important to be aware of the issues which arise from such programs and the longer term consequences for the development of technology in the design of new forms of work organization. Well-defined project management, the need for a continuity of personnel, and the development and maintenance of good inter-personnel relations are all identified as critical elements to successful collaboration under multi-partner projects.