ABSTRACT
The concept which integrates the technological, economic, and socio-psychological aspects of a production system is the primary task—the work it has to perform (Bion, 1950; Rice, 1958). Work in this sense is the key transaction which relates an operating group to its environment and allows it to maintain the steady state (Emery & Trist, 1960). The production system with which we are concerned is the coal face system, although as indicated in the previous chapter this must be studied in the context of the larger seam system of which it is a part. The primary task of a face system engaged in three-shift longwall working is the daily completion of a production cycle under all the given conditions that prevail.
