ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part explores the common perspective that the human aspects of work are as important as the technical ones, and that the full benefits of technology will only be realized when both aspects are considered together. It describes recent theoretical developments in work organization, focusing upon the socio-technical systems approach to work design. The part deals with one particular application of technological change, namely the implementation of computer aided manufacturing (CAM). It examines research focusing on the relationship between the design of the technology and its subsequent impact upon the operator. The part considers the underlying assumptions of the traditional technological and human-centred approaches to CAM design, arguing that the latter philosophy is the most appropriate. It examines research which has investigated the relationship between CAM and job design.
