PGT Motor Company manufactures passenger vehicles in East-London, South Africa. They manufacture various models of light passenger vehicles, of which the Coru model is the most popular. The office hours for admin and managerial staff are from 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday. The manufacturing staff work three eight-hour shifts on weekdays.

The motor manufacturing plant mainly consists of three assembly lines, each having some sub-cells:

1. Bodyshop
2. Paint-shop
3. Trim-line

Michael and Peter are both assembly line workers on one of the trim-line sub-cells responsible for fitting the dashboards and doing the wiring of the Coru passenger vehicles. Michael has been working at PGT for three days and is still learning, whereas Peter has been with the company for nearly seven years and is extremely talented.

The organizational structure of the Production division is not provided here. The company has a Plant Manager, Charles, and the Production Manager, Bernard, who reports to him. Each assembly line is managed by a team leader who reports directly to Bernard.

The team leader on the trim-line assembly line, Thomas, will become a father in the next week or two, and according to company policy, he is entitled to five working days of paternity leave. The Manager has called Thomas to his office to inquire about his plans to ensure that operations are not disrupted during his absence and how he plans to meet the production targets and standards.

Thomas informs the Manager that he already has a contingency plan in place and suggests the following:

Peter is a very capable assembly line worker on the trim-line. He has more than seven years' experience in the dashboard and wiring sub-cell, as well as extensive experience in the trim, engine bay, drivetrain, seats, and wheels. Peter is responsible, has excellent communication skills, is respected by his colleagues, and has shown potential for management. Thomas proposes giving Peter the opportunity to act as team leader during his absence. This opportunity could prevent Peter from becoming frustrated or demotivated. Michael has recently joined the company and needs training to work efficiently, but he must continue working on the assembly line during training.

The Plant Manager is impressed with Thomas's plan and wishes him well with the birth of his daughter. After speaking with the Plant Manager, Thomas calls Peter to discuss the plans, and Peter is very excited and promises not to disappoint Thomas.

Questions

1. If Peter temporarily takes over Thomas's job in his absence, what does this move represent? Briefly explain what this entails. (10 points)

2. What motivation-intensive method can be used to train Michael and help him understand the job? Provide a motivation for your answer. (10 points)

3. Do you think this arrangement will affect Peter's motivation? Justify your answer. (10 points)

4. How can the company incorporate technology streamlining into its business structure?

1. Peter temporarily taking over Thomas's job represents a contingency plan to ensure continuity and operational effectiveness during Thomas's absence. It entails delegating leadership responsibilities and tasks to an experienced and capable employee who can maintain production targets and standards in Thomas's absence.

In Thomas's absence, Peter, who has extensive experience and skills in various areas of the assembly line, including the dashboard and wiring sub-cell, will step in as the acting team leader. This move aims to minimize disruption and maintain the smooth functioning of the trim-line assembly. Peter's knowledge and expertise make him well-suited for the temporary leadership role, as he can guide and support the team effectively. By entrusting Peter with this responsibility, the company ensures that production targets and quality standards are upheld, preventing any negative impact on operations.

2. A motivation-intensive method that can be used to train Michael and help him understand the job is job enrichment. Job enrichment involves providing employees with opportunities to experience greater responsibility, autonomy, and personal growth in their roles. In the case of Michael, who is still learning and needs training to work efficiently, job enrichment can be achieved by gradually exposing him to different tasks and providing him with learning opportunities.

By allowing Michael to work on the assembly line while also receiving training, the company can motivate him by showing trust in his abilities and investing in his professional development. This approach can be coupled with mentoring or coaching by experienced employees like Peter, who can guide and support Michael in acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge. Offering challenging and meaningful tasks to Michael, along with feedback and recognition for his progress, will contribute to his motivation and engagement in the job.

3. This arrangement is likely to have a positive effect on Peter's motivation. By entrusting Peter with the temporary leadership role during Thomas's absence, the company acknowledges his skills, experience, and potential for growth. This act of recognition can boost Peter's motivation by providing him with a sense of accomplishment and advancement.

Moreover, by giving Peter the opportunity to act as a team leader, the company shows trust in his abilities, which can enhance his job satisfaction and engagement. The increased responsibility and the chance to demonstrate leadership skills can serve as intrinsic motivators for Peter. Additionally, Peter's colleagues respecting him and relying on his expertise further contribute to his motivation, as it fosters a positive work environment and a sense of belonging within the team.

4. To incorporate technology streamlining into the business, the company can consider implementing various technological advancements throughout the manufacturing process. For instance, they can explore automation and robotics to streamline repetitive tasks, improve efficiency, and reduce human error. Integrating digital systems and software can enhance communication, data management, and production planning.

Additionally, the company can invest in advanced machinery and equipment to optimize the manufacturing process, such as utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) software for designing components or employing advanced machinery for precision assembly. The adoption of technology-driven quality control measures and real-time monitoring systems can ensure product consistency and identify any deviations or issues promptly.

Furthermore, the company can explore the use of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize production scheduling, inventory management, and predictive maintenance. By leveraging technology, PGT Motor Company can improve productivity, quality, and overall operational efficiency, ultimately enhancing their competitive advantage in the industry.

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