Management challenges for the manufacturing engineer

The authors present significant issues affecting the performance of manufacturing organizations, with an agenda for improvement. These issues concern the relationship of middle management and the workforce; however, many managers and employees are unaware of these issues and tend to obscure the underlying problems with new programs. The following major challenges are considered: bridging the technology generation gap, putting first-line management back in touch with employees, maintaining productivity despite downsizing, eliminating the `it´s not my job´ syndrome, and managing technology effectively