The objective of this project is to develop and test a theory- based, quantitative and operationally efficient methodology which would enable industry to predict, assess and develop the knowledge and skills required of manufacturing personnel, concurrently with the design and development of manufacturing technologies. Specific techniques will be developed to assess human knowledge, skill and ability requirements during the manufacturing systems design phase to improve selection and training of personnel in order that the personnel can be optimally productive when the technology arrives at the workplace. The conceptual framework for the development of the methodology is based on the combined information derived from Fleishman's taxonomy of human abilities, Gange's learning hierarchy, Anderson's automation of human thought process, Wicken's cognitive resources and Koubek and Salvendy's knowledge structure models. The conceptual model will be operationalized through the utilization of a computer-based decision flow diagram. The development, experimentation, and validation efforts will be performed in cooperation with the private sector (industry).
