Industry Notes (2 Viewers)

[flipsyde]

Hey here are some industry study notes that I thought might be helpful- Its mainly for multimedia but some of it can be changed into other parts of Industrial tech by replacing a few words. Enjoy. This is just some stuff you'd have to research it more or you can ask me. I also offer tutoring if your interested... click my sig for more info.

Technical Factors

Multiskilling
Multi- comes from the word multiple, meaning more than one; a skill is to have knowledge about something. Therefore, multiskilling refers knowledge and skills in more than one area. In this case, multiskilling means that employees in a business have more than one skill- they don’t specialise.

“A multiskilled worker is an individual who possesses or acquires a range of skills/ knowledge and applies them to work tasks that may fall outside the traditional boundaries of his or her original training” www.hsc.csu.edu.au/ind_tech/ind_study.html

Multiskilling is used in businesses because it has many functions. These include-
- Allow full use of qualifications in the company
- Improve project performance
- Boredom of employees reduced
- Shortage of employees won’t effect the production process
- Workers are able to perform more than one skill

There are many advantages of multiskilling in that it is beneficial to a company, particularly in the multimedia industry. Multiskilling allows flexibility because production is able to continue if a worker is absent- i.e. another worker would be able to complete his/her tasks. Communication between employees would increase as each worker would be able to understand each others tasks.

Positive effects on ideas/developments
Multiskilling would be beneficial to an industry’s developing methods and new ideas. An employee with knowledge of more than one skill would be able to create new ideas and more efficient ways of producing a product.

Employment security
Emerging technologies wouldn’t threaten the jobs of employees as multiskilled workers are able to keep up with the advances in technology due to the understanding of various technologies. Also if an employee is multiskilled and a new technology such as machinery replaces a manual job. The worker can be relocated to a new section without necessarily having to be retrained.

Project efficiency
One employee may be able to do a whole project on their own. This can also save money as it costs less for labour. The product can then be sold for less money which means that more people may buy it and more profit is made. It is also very management effective as it takes less planning and less time to complete the project.

Mechanisation
Mechanisation refers to the process of process of making something (a task) mechanical. It also refers to the process of developing machinery to perform tasks that were once manual. This also assists with mass production of products and improves product efficiency.


There are many advantages and disadvantages that mechanisation brings to an industry. Some of these advantages include-
-More products can be created faster
-Have settings so that the product is not slightly altered and remains accurate- no human error
-There is only a small a small amount of setting up that needs to be done
-Can do work in areas where workers risk injury- eg lift heavy equipment, work with chemicals

Some disadvantages include-
-Initial cost of machinery is expensive
-Can also take up time when repairing which takes up production time
-Machine operators can get RSI (repetitive strain injury)
-Employees can lose their jobs
-Overtime pay is lost

Automation
Automation in an industry refers to the process of changing a manual process into one that is done by machine. This can include computer programs, sensors and control systems. The main reasons for automation are the need for improved quality, improved production and improved delivery. Instead of repeating the same action over and over again manually (e.g. cropping 100 photos in PhotoShop to the same size), the process would only have to be done once to set the computer/machine up. The same action could then be repeated by machine. Doing processes via machine means that tasks get done quicker and more professionally. Mechanisation in an industry means that fewer workers are needed and therefore workers may lose their jobs.

Mass production
Mass production is used in an industry to produce a product or products in bulk, rather than individually or a couple at a time. This is extremely cost effective for a business as it is cheaper to manufacture products in bulk. Mass production is both beneficial and detrimental to an industry. Some of these benefits include-
-less time taken to produce goods
-cheaper to make products
-less training for workers because they perform less tasks
Some of the disadvantages of mass production include-
- Boredom for workers
- Health risks e.g. RSI
- Large amounts of the product need to be sold
- If the design of the product changes it can be hard to change the machinery

Quality Control
Quality is referred to as “(The) maintenance of quality at a level that satisfies the customer and that is economical to the producer or seller” www.hsc.csu.edu.au/ind_tech/ind_study.html

These are usually four main stages where quality control takes place in an industry. The first stage is the drafting stage. This is done so that the amount of materials that will be needed can be ordered. The second stage involves testing the material that are going to be used to make the product. The next stages is done during the process of creating the product and controlling/maintaining the quality when it may fall. Finally, the finished product is checked to make sure it meets standards and fulfils its purpose. Depending on the project not every one of these stages takes place when controlling the quality of a product.

 

[flipsyde]

Personnel issues


In a business there are many issues regarding personnel that need to be taken into consideration. These issues include Equal Employment Opportunities, Industrial regulations (award wages and allowances), types of employees like apprentices, full/part-time employees, contractors (which are beneficial as you don’t have to worry about insurance or bonuses etc) and issues such as employee motivation.

Equal Employment Opportunity is about making it fair for all every person apply for a job and have the same opportunity to pursue a career and to use and develop their skills in a workforce without being disadvantaged or harassed. EEO ensures that all workers are treated as equals and are not discriminated against. The main groups that are effected by discrimination are-
-women
-Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders
-Disabled people
-And people belonging to religious groups

In NSW particularly, an employer can be sued if they discriminate against an employee or refuse to hire them because they belong to a particular group. These such groups include-
-age
-pregnancy
-race/nationality/religious background
-marital status
-homosexuality, transgender
-disability
-sex

As an employer you would have responsibilities to ensure that your employees are not discriminated against by other employees in the workplace and that each worker has the same opportunities as everybody else. As an employee you have the responsibility to ensure that you and the workers around you, practice anti-discriminative actions toward others and prevent any harassment from occurring.

Industrial regulations can relate to payment conditions such as-
-award wages
-penalty rates
-hours of work
-allowances

An award wage is a document that outlines legally the minimum wage one can be paid. This wage varies from job to job and sometimes has conditions attached. For example- the minimum wage for a bricklayer is $15.90 per hour full-time and $19.08 per hour casual rates. However a carpenters rates are $16.08 full-time per hour and $19.30 casual per hour. This can also vary depending on the type of worker they are (e.g. apprentices and trainees). Penalty rates are rates that are paid to an employee when they have to work over time, on weekends or on public holidays etc. Overtime can we calculated as time and a half and double time. If an employee works 1-4 hours overtime then they will get time and a half (their hourly wage plus half). After this time the employee gets double time (double their hourly wage). Hours of work refers to the amount of hours an employee can legally work in a day. This can also vary from occupation to occupation. For example an employee is unable to work more than 12 hours a day with an 8 hour break between shifts. Legally an employee is entitled to a short break for every four hours of work. Allowances are paid to an employee for such things as tools, transportation to and from work, education allowance (i.e. if an employee was required to do a course in TAFE then the company would pay for it etc).

Motivation is a necessity in the workplace. In order for an employer to get the best results from their employees they must their employees feel motivated to perform to the best of their capabilities. Performance is said to be based on the ability of the individual and the motivation/drive that the individual has to perform. There are several forms of motivation some of which include-
-Being treated fairly
-Setting goals
-Rewarding and praising employees
-Discipline
-Making the workers feel happy
-Positive reinforcement

Motivating employees allows them to want to achieve their goal/s and feel that they can do it. Motivation can be communicated through lectures, other employees and exercise. Though encouragement positive outcomes occur.

 

[flipsyde]

Organisation Structure

Decisions are made by management in an organisation in order to properly regulate its business. These management structures are generally hierarchical. The most common structures are Pyramid, Flattened, Functional, Divisional and Federal Decentralised.

Pyramid structures are an older, traditional form of organisation structure. They are also generally based on three levels-
-Top Management (most power- in charge of company)
-Middle Management (Supervisors)
This means that the most power is at the top of the pyramid and the least at the bottom. In a pyramid structure there is little and almost no direct contact between the top and bottom levels in the business. If an employee wants to suggest something to Top Management he/she must ask his supervisor, so typically this type of structure is extremely centralised and autocratic (one person in charge). Instead of the company and workers functioning the way they feel is the best way, pyramid structures work on a ‘do it our way’ basis.

Flattened structures are a more modern, emerging structure. Although it is still roughly pyramiarical in shape, a flattened structure has less level then that of a traditional pyramid structure. This allows better communication between Top Management and workers. Flatter structures have made it possible for multiskilled workers to have a place in the business. Flatter structured businesses often have teams of workers who can report to Top Management. Federal Decentralisation is an example of this.

Federal Decentralisation in now one of the most popular forms of organisation structures. They are generally found operating in large companies that manufacture more than one thing within the business. Each division has its own management and is responsible for its own performance. There is however one main department to the organisation that is responsible for the performance of the entire organisation.

A business can be government or privately owned. However, most businesses in Australia are privately owned. The main types of privately owned businesses are-
- Sole Traders
- Partnerships
- Companies

Anyone can become a sole trader. A sole trader is a business that is owned by an individual. It is a small business that has low cost. An example of a sole trader is an electrician. Sole trading can be a risky business as they risk going bankrupt due to unlimited liability.

A partnership is where a group of people decide to run and establish a business; this group can range from 2-20 people. One advantage of a partnership is that the expense of forming and building the business can be much cheaper than establishing a business as an individual. It is much easier to borrow money from a bank as a group of people. There is less workload and less tax because partners can be taxed individually.

A company is much different to a sole trader or a partnership. People who buy shares in the company become partial owners of the company (shareholders). All companies are required to have a constitution. A constitution is a set of rules that have been put in place that states the rights of those who have shares in the company. Companies generally have a board of directors (Top management), which means that a manager is in charge of the company.

 

[flipsyde]

Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational health and safety (OHS) rules and regulations are set by the government to ensure the wellbeing of all workers in an industry. It also ensures that the workers have a safe environment. Statistics show that 95% of all in the workplace could have been prevented. OHS regulations apply to all businesses large, small and self employed. The responsibilities of OHS apply to both employers and employees. The employer’s responsibilities are-
-Make sure that the working environment is safe
-Ensure that there is adequate equipment used for handling and moving materials are available
-Provide first aid facilities and training to all staff
-Make sure that workers are trained and informed about safety and have safety information available to them (e.g. safety data sheets and sighs).

The employee’s responsibilities are-
-Ensuring that they act safely in work environments and ensuring themselves and other workers are safe.
-Making sure they understand how to work safely in an environment and that all safety equipment is worn.

When there are more than 25 people working in an industry, an approved first aid course must be taken by all workers. The most common work injuries are back injuries and RSI (repetitive Strain Injury). All of which can be prevented using lifting equipment, team lifting, preventing constant bending, taking frequent breaks- rotating staff. In order for the amount of accidents in a workplace to reduce both employers and employees must become aware or the dangers in the workplace and be able to communicate these safety issues through. Even lack of experience can result in work accidents.

Materials in a work place need to be manufactured, stored and transported; because of the risk involved it is also essential that workers be trained and assessed in this area. Providing Material Safety Data Sheets allows employees to look up the risk information involved with hazardous materials and how to work with them safely. Safety Data Sheets contain information such as- the name of the material, emergency contact number, supplier/manufacturer name and classification codes.

Prevention
The ears, face, eyes and head are at the most risk of being injured in the workplace. That is why it is essential that the appropriate safety equipment is worn. This includes ear protection, eye protection and face protection.

Ear protection
Without the proper ear protection a person can suffer form permanent deafness when working in a noisy environment. There are many types of ear protection available that can help prevent damaging the ears. Earplugs are made of special foam that blocks out the noise. They are pushed into the ear canal but can however cause further damage to the ears and the canal of the ear. Earmuffs are another example of safety equipment for the ears. They are hard, plastic cups that sit on top of the head like a headband and protect around the whole ear area. Hearing protection will only be effective if it is worn correctly.

Eye and face protection
Face shields, safety glasses/goggles are ways in which prevention of injury to the eyes and face can be taken. Eyes and faces should be protected when working with flames, power tools and chemicals etc. Face shields cover the entire face glasses and goggles are use for the protection of the eyes. Goggles offer more protection as the eyes are encased and have protection around them. Safety glasses also protect the eyes but have no or little protection around the sides of the eyes.

Other forms of safety equipment are signage. These signs must be clearly seen around the workplace to prevent hazards. All signs use graphics and very little to no words to communicate ideas across so that people with different nationalities that can understand the safety issue/s. Also graphics are generally easier and quicker to interpret then a sign with text on it. Warning signs are generally yellow diamonds and triangles or red octagons. Information signs are always blue rectangles and prohibition signs are circles with a diagonal line through them.

 

[Boom Selecta]

Thanks heaps, these should be useful!

 

[silver10]

quality! thanks heaps

 

[flipsyde]

no worries . Im also offereing tutoring for this course (Multimedia) PM me

 

[Riddles]

champion! cheers flipsyde

 

[flipsyde]

*bump*

just thought Id bump this up cos ppl keep asking me for industry notes..

enjoy.

Any questions? PM me

 

[pennywise]

helpful

thnx alot for these notes it is useful for my electronics.

so did you finish school last year and know you just post up notes or something?

 

[flipsyde]

thnx alot for these notes it is useful for my electronics.

so did you finish school last year and know you just post up notes or something?

yeah finished last year. Almost topped the state in the HSC for ITMM to. dang just a few more marks... I was in the top 1% though

 

[pennywise]

thats crazy...
dont think ill be getting that good my electronics test was pretty tough

 

[DERRICKISVIET]

oh my god. mines due on friday and im starting today (yeah im an idiot.. left it till last minute t.t)

but you have helped, SO SO MUCH >< thanks

its so gay, our school was meant to visit panasonic for industry study assessment (worth 40%) but panasonic australia stopped manufacturing.. so, we just got some gay powerpoint presentation for our info.. sigh

 

[flipsyde]

yeah we had a representative for a company come in... she was from Intouch... she was pretty good... it was boring... but good good

 

[betchaboy]

Nice notes!

Hi Bec,

Nice to see you so active here in the forums, and giving such good advice too.

Have you had much to do with wikis? They are collaborative websites where lots of contributors can easily add /edit the pages.

I'm working on a little project at the moment to create a Wiki about ITM where notes and info and past exam sample answers can be kept, with the advantage of being a wiki, so the info can be easily added to, corrected and updated. Was also thinking that the use of a wiki might allow the contributor base to collaboratively extend and refine on the sample exam answers so we can develop some really good samples.. It'll take some time to build up of course, but I reckon would be a really useful resource overtime.

An early prototype sample is online at http://itmultimedia.pbwiki.com

Most of the pages are still empty, (which is why it would be useful to use some of your excellent notes to start populating it!) although I've add some stuff to the 2003 HSC exam samples.

Let me know it you guys think it would be useful. and if you want to contribute, email me for the password.

BetChaboY

 

[flipsyde]

PM'd

I think it would be very useful considering the lack of resources avaliable to ITMM students out there. I had trouble finding all the information that I needed... lucky I had a great teacher . I was thinking of oneday making a textbook for ITMM and I had plans of a wesite years ago, but alas with the lack of time,money and resources I couldnt get it off the ground.

So something like this I think is a fantastic idea! I'd be happy to put my notes up there if you really want them haha...if you think they're good enough haha.

Cheers

Flipsyde

 

[dimebag2006]

Thanks heaps flipsyde. I couldnt find notes anywhere. Thanks heaps man

 

[leiwa]

thanx for sharing!!

 

[flipsyde]

I dont check this part of the forum too often anymore because there is lack of people participating in it. But if you would like to contact me you can PM me of email me on_da_flipsyde@hotmail.com

But Im glad these notes have helped

 

[bananasmoothy]

Wow I love you. Thanks for the notes.
The "textbook" we've got is pretty crapiola. I wouldn't even call it a textbook. It's more a basic tutorial guide. *sigh*