Henry Ford and the Auto Assembly Line

Henry Ford and the Auto Assembly Line Cars changed the way people lived, worked, and enjoyed leisure time; however, what most people don’t realize is that the process of manufacturing automobiles had an equally significant impact on the industry. The creation of the assembly line by Henry Ford at his Highland Park plant, introduced on December 1, 1913, revolutionized the automobile industry and the concept of manufacturing worldwide. The Ford Motor Company Henry Ford was not a newcomer to the business of automobile manufacturing. He built his first car, which he christened the â€Å"Quadricycle,† in 1896. In 1903, he officially opened the Ford Motor Company and five years later released the first Model T. Although the Model T was the ninth automobile model Ford created, it would be the first model which would achieve wide popularity. Even today, the Model T remains an icon for the still-existing Ford Motor Company. Making the Model T Cheaply Henry Ford had a goal of making automobiles for the multitudes. The Model T was his answer to that dream; he wanted them to be both sturdy and cheap. In an effort to make Model T’s cheaply at first, Ford cut out extravagances and options. Buyers couldn’t even choose a paint color; they were all black. By the end of production, however, the cars would be available in a wide variety of colors and with a wide variety of custom bodies. The cost of the first Model T was set at $850, which would be approximately $21,000 in today’s currency. That was cheap, but still not cheap enough for the masses. Ford needed to find a way to cut down the price even further. Highland Park Plant In 1910, with the aim of increasing manufacturing capacity for the Model T, Ford built a new plant in Highland Park, Michigan. He created a building that would be easily expanded as new methods of production were incorporated. Ford consulted with Frederick Taylor, creator of scientific management, to examine the most efficient modes of production. Ford had previously observed the assembly line concept in slaughterhouses in the Midwest and was also inspired by the conveyor belt system that was common in many grain warehouses in that region. He wished to incorporate these ideas into the information Taylor suggested to implement a new system in his own factory. One of the first innovations in production that Ford implemented was the installation of gravity slides that facilitated the movement of parts from one work area to the next. Within the next three years, additional innovative techniques were incorporated and, on December 1, 1913, the first large-scale assembly line was officially in working order. Assembly Line Function The moving assembly line appeared to the onlooker to be an endless contraption of chains and links that allowed Model T parts to swim through the sea of the assembly process. In total, the manufacturing of the car could be broken down into 84 steps. The key to the process, however, was having interchangeable parts. Unlike other cars of the time, every Model T produced on Fords line used the exact same valves, gas tanks, tires, etc. so that they could be assembled in a speedy and organized fashion. Parts were created in mass quantities and then brought directly to the workers who were trained to work at that specific assembly station. The chassis of the car was pulled down the 150-foot line by a chain conveyor and then 140 workers applied their assigned parts to the chassis. Other workers brought additional parts to the assemblers to keep them stocked; this reduced the amount of time workers spent away from their stations to retrieve parts. The assembly line significantly decreased the assembly time per vehicle and increased the profit margin. Assembly Line Customization As time passed, Ford used assembly lines more flexibly than he is generally given credit for. He used multiple parallel lines in a start-stop mode to adjust output to large demand fluctuations. He also used sub-systems which optimized extraction, transportation, production, assembly, distribution, and sales supply chain systems.   Perhaps his most useful and neglected innovation was the development of a way to mechanize production and yet customize the configuration of each Model T as it rolled off the block. Model T production had a core platform, a chassis consisting of engine, pedals, switches, suspensions, wheels, transmission, gas tank, steering wheel, lights, etc. This platform was continually being improved. But the body of the car could be any one of several types of vehicles: auto, truck, racer, woody wagon, snowmobile, milk wagon, police wagon, ambulance, etc.  At peak, there were eleven basic model bodies, with 5,000 custom gadgets that were manufactured by external companies that could be selected by the customers. Impact of the Assembly Line on Production The immediate impact of the assembly line was revolutionary. The use of interchangeable parts allowed for continuous workflow and more time on task by laborers. Worker specialization resulted in less waste and a higher quality of the end product. Sheer production of the Model T dramatically increased. The production time for a single car dropped from over 12 hours to just 93 minutes due to the introduction of the assembly line. Ford’s 1914 production rate of 308,162 eclipsed the number of cars produced by all other automobile manufacturers combined. These concepts allowed Ford to increase his profit margin and lower the cost of the vehicle to consumers. The cost of the Model T would eventually drop to $260 in 1924, the equivalent of approximately $3,500 today. Impact of the Assembly Line on Workers The assembly line also drastically altered the lives of those in Ford’s employ. The workday was cut from nine hours to eight hours so that the concept of the three-shift workday could be implemented with greater ease. Although hours were cut, workers did not suffer from lower wages; instead, Ford nearly doubled the existing industry-standard wage and began paying his workers $5 a day. Ford’s gamble paid off- his workers soon used some of their pay increases to purchase their own Model Ts. By the end of the decade, the Model T had truly become the automobile for the masses that Ford had envisioned. The Assembly Line Today The assembly line is the primary mode of manufacturing in the industry today. Automobiles, food, toys, furniture, and many more items pass down assembly lines worldwide before landing in our homes and on our tables. While the average consumer does not think of this fact often, this 100-year-old innovation by a car manufacturer in Michigan changed the way we live and work forever. Sources and Further Reading Alizon, Fabrice, Steven B. Shooter, and Timothy W. Simpson. Henry Ford and the Model T: Lessons for Product Platforming and Mass Customization. Design Studies 30.5 (2009): 588–605. Print.Upward, Geoffrey C. A Home for Our Heritage: The Building and Growth of Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum. Dearborn, Michigan: The Henry Ford Museum Press, 1979. Print.Wilson, James M. Henry Ford Vs. Assembly Line Balancing. International Journal of Production Research 52.3 (2014): 757–65. Print.

Business plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words - 2

Business plan - Essay Example The gaming room will have approximately fifty computers for the gamers, as well as play stations while they can also have refreshments, although high alcoholic drinks will not be served at the counter. This is because the equipment at the bar is sensitive and drunken gamers could destroy them. In addition, the bar will also provide game discs, consoles, and information at reasonable prices, which, together with the excellent service that will be provided, will be the core point for the bar. The staff at the bar will be expected to be gaming enthusiasts, and they will be trained by professional players in order to offer better service. Game heaven expects to have its own website for promotional activities where clients can interact and set up games. Industry Analysis The idea for starting Game Heaven came from the fact that more and more individuals who want to play the battle arena video games. However, despite the increasing interest in this game, there are no battle arena video gam e and sports bars, around the Birmingham area. Game Heaven is going to have to serve several sectors of the market. In the sports and gaming bar industry, it is important to have a family atmosphere where the gamers feel part of an exclusive group (Rail, 2011: p300). In addition, it will serve several uses, such as watching big games, gaming tournaments, and personal gaming time. The bar also plans to begin offering light food, although the dining areas will be separated from the â€Å"family† by a wall. However, wherever one sits, there will be a big screen TV showing games, whether cricket, football, or rugby, especially since the plan involves having multiple screens in these areas. The business will face regulatory issues, especially with regards to employee wages, liquor licenses for the big matches, local ordinances, building permits, and others that could be of effect to the business (Rail, 2011: p301). Objectives Management at Game Heaven is confident that it has the ability to replicate its success with the plain Sports bar concept into an e-sports bar concept. It has established several objectives: Have at least two stores operational by the end of the second year Sales of approximately ?150,000 in its initial year A net profit margin of 35% Net profit margins of approximately 14% Maintain a tight control on operations, as well as costs, by hiring quality staff, while also making use of automated control Keep beverage costs under 30% Select additional locations on the basis of meeting success parameters Grow the location to a ?1 to ?2 million yearly business. Mission Game Heaven UK will strive to become the premier e-sports themed bar in the Birmingham area. Our goal is to stay ahead of competitors, as well as allowing clients to enjoy their leisure time the best way we can. In addition, the bar will provide more computers and more screens showing more matches than all other sports bars in the Birmingham area. Game Heaven UK provides audio con trol, which is state-of-the-art at all computer and play stations, as well as in TV areas that allow the customer enjoy their gaming and watching experience without background noise interference. Through a combination of atmosphere, quality service, ambiance, and menu selection, to create a valuable and excellent entertainment experience. Keys to Success In order to achieve Game Heaven UK’s goals, the bar will seek to: Give quality service

Trademark Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Trademark - Case Study Example Her father was a radio announcer for years and of course his name was used on air. McClusky did not have trouble with her McFest name until she applied for patent for the continuing concerts. That is, of course, when McDonald's got involved. Knowing you have been served from a company like McDonald's (the big dog) would make most regular people give up (the little dog) but not McClusky, This paper will introduce the fight this little dog plans on winning. McDonlad's, it would seem has a McFamily of names that cannot be used by others. Those include McWatchy, McDouble, McJobs, McShirt, McPool, McShades, McFree, McRuler, McLight and even just Mc. So McClusky has the wrong last name. There were no objections from the big dog when McClusky raised $30,000 in charity for the Special Olympics last year. Could it be because McDonlad's also supports Special Olympics and it was seemingly free advertising for them. Now, $5,000 of that money has gone to pay lawyers to support the little dogs point of view (fight). McClusky says she can't understand when one company can infringe on the rights one's sir name gives them and will continue this fight in the courts, however, she wants this money to go to charity and not to lawyers. McDonald's says they have the legal mandate to protect their trademark and that trademark means anything that starts with Mc.

Analysis of Organizational Success, Failures and Consequences, Term Paper

Analysis of Organizational Success, Failures and Consequences, Communication Policies, and STS Practices of Alcan Organization - Term Paper Example General systems in an organization involve several systems, which work together. The socio-technical system involves a proper blending of the social and technical systems in an organization (Girard, 2005). This is a combination of technology and people. Alcan Company consists of four groups of prime systems, which are responsible for managing the different types of units within each particular group (Girard, 2005). The first system is the Alumina and Bauxite business group. This group has the responsibility of getting bauxite through purchase or extraction, then having it refined into grades that are smart. The grade that is smart is then used to produce primary aluminum. This group consists of refineries that supply smelter-grade alumina to the primary metal group of the company and a global networking of bauxite mines. Alcan Company operates about eight bauxite mine and the seven smelter-grade refineries of alumina, seven alumina plants all over the world (Girard, 2005). The second general organizational system is the Primary Metals group. This group consists of the Alcan aluminum and facilities smelting, and installations of power generation for the company. This unit manages to employ about 20,000 individuals in the whole world. The unit produces various forms of aluminum. These are used in many markets like the foil; transportation; automotive beverage; construction; building; machinery sector; and consumer goods. The processing of Alcan’s aluminum is done in the twenty-four smelters of aluminum that are operated or owned partially by the company (Girard, 2005). The third general organization system is the unit of the engineered product. The headquarters of this group is in Paris. The system produces fabricated and composite aluminum products that are used for different purposes (Girard, 2005). This unit employs about 12000 workers at 37 Alcan network offices, 50 service centers, and 48 production facilities in the whole world. Aluminum used in prod ucing products that are engineered is bought from the primary metal business unit and suppliers who are third parties (Girard, 2005).  

Comparing the Bible and Margaret Laurences The Stone Angel: An Examin

Comparing the Bible and Margaret Laurence's The Stone Angel: An Examination of Archetypal References Often times great novels and plays allude to religion, to mythology, or to other literary works for dramatic purposes. Shakespearean plays are perfect examples. Allusions help the reader or spectator better understand, through visualization, a character or an event in a novel. In some cases, the characters, the events, or a series of events are structured according to the people and the action in other stories, whether the stories be religious, mythological, classical, or historical. The character or the event, therefore, becomes a prototype of the character or event alluded to. A prototypical character in a novel is usually referred to as an archetype. The Stone Angel, a chronicle of Hagar Shipley's life, purposely or coincidentally parallels the Biblical story of Hagar, the Egyptian bondwoman, from the book of Genesis; thus, Hagar Shipley is an archetype of the Biblical Hagar. In fact, many of the events and people in The Stone Angel are similar to the events and people from the book of Genesis. The most important archetypal reference, however, is Hagar herself, for many of the things she does, says, and represents are indicative of the things the Biblical Hagar does, says, and represents. Aside from sharing the same name, to what extent does Hagar Shipley resemble the Egyptian Hagar, and, to what extent does The Stone Angel resemble the book of Genesis? Although both stories are very similar, they are also very different. These similarities and these differences become apparent upon examination of Hagar, John, Marvin, Bram, and the Biblical characters they parallel. As earlier stated, Hagar Shipley's character is v... ...l archetypes in The Stone Angel should consider and examine several aspects before delving into their work. As a tip, before writing anything, ask yourself to what extent, in your own view, does Hagar and all other characters match their archetypes, if at all? Are the two stories similar enough that their resemblance is, in no way, accidental? These questions will help strengthen your arguments. Bibliography and Works Cited Blewett, D.. "The Unity of the Manawaka Cycle." The World of the Novel: A Student's Guide to Margaret Laurence's The Stone Angel. Ed. Lillian Perigoe and Beverly Copping. Scarborough: Prentice Hall Inc., 1983. 36. Laurence, Margaret. The Stone Angel. Toronto: McClelland &Stewart Inc., 1988. Thomas, Dylan. "Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night." The Stone Angel. Margaret Laurence. Toronto: McClelland & Stewart Inc.,1988. Prologue.

Black Movements of 1960

Kelsey Kindell Lauren Cherneski English 102 5 September 2012 Black Arts Movement of the 1960s The history of BAM, the types of entertainment, and their effects on society has the upmost impact on history today. Due to it being the only American literary movement to advance â€Å"social engagement† as sin qua non of its aesthetic. The movement broke from the immediate past of protest and petition (civil rights) literature and dashed forward toward an alternative that initially seemed unthinkable and unobtainable: Black Power.One of the most important figures in the Black Arts movement is Amiri Baraka (formerly Leroi Jones). Following the assassination of Malcolm X in 1965, Leroi Jones (Amiri Baraka) made a symbolic move from Manhattan’s Lower East Side to Harlem, where he founded the Black Arts Repertory Theatre/ School. According to the â€Å" Norton Anthology of African American Literature,’’ no one was more competent in the combination of the experiment al and the vernacular than Amiri Baraka, whose volume Black Magic Poetry 1961- 1967(1969) is one of the first products of the African American creative energies of the 1960s.Umbra, which produced Umbra Magazine, was the first post-civil rights Black literary group to make an impact as radical in the sense of establishing their own voice distinct from, and sometimes at odds with, the prevailing white literary establishment. The attempt to merge a Black-oriented activist thrust with a primarily artistic orientation produced a classic split in Umbra between those who wanted to be activists and those who thought of themselves as primarily writers, though to some extent all members shared both views.Black writers have always had to face the issue of whether their work was primarily political or aesthetic. Black Arts Movement influenced the world of literature, portraying different ethnic voices. Before the movement, the literary canon lacked diversity, and the ability to express ideas fr om the point of view of racial and ethnic minorities was not valued by the mainstream. Theatre groups, poetry performances, music and dance were centered on this movement, and therefore African Americans were becoming recognized in the area of literature and rts. African Americans were also able to educate others through different types of expressions and media about cultural differences. The most common form of teaching was through poetry reading. African American performances were used for their own political advertisement, organization, and community issues. The Black Arts movement was spread by the use of newspaper advertisements. The first major arts movement publication was in 1964. The movement lasted for about a decade, through the mid-1960s and into the 1970s.This was a period of controversy and change in the world of literature. One major change came through the portrayal of new ethnic voices in the United States. English- language literature, prior to the Black Arts movem ent, was dominated by white authors. The theatres, as well as cultural counters were based throughout America and were used for community meetings, study groups and film screenings. Newspapers were a major tool in spreading the Black Arts movement.In 1964, Black Dialogue was published, making it the first major arts movement publication. As the movement matured, the two major locations of Black Arts' ideological leadership, particularly for literary work, were California's Bay Area because of the Journal of Black Poetry and the Black Scholar, and the Chicago-Detroit axis because of Negro Digest/Black World and Third World Press in Chicago, and Broadside Press and Naomi Long Madgett's Lotus Press in Detroit.The only major Black Arts literary publications to come out of New York were the short-lived (six issues between 1969 and 1972) Black Theatre magazine published by the New Lafayette Theatre and Black Dialogue, which had actually started in San Francisco (1964-1968) and relocated t o New York (1969-1972). In conclusion, the impacts of Black Arts activities were the development of Black theater groups and Black poetry performances and journals, and both had close ties to community organizations and issues.Black theaters served as the focus of poetry, dance, and music performances in addition to formal and ritual drama. Black theaters were also venues for community meetings, lectures, study groups, and film screenings. Resources http://aalbc. com/authors/blackartsmovement. htm http://www. english. illinois. edu/maps/blackarts/historical. htm

Women as Commodity - 8899 Words

WOMEN AS COMMODITY Women As Commodity Since ancient times, There people who are being sold just like a mere things sold in a market to be slaves, pimp, and its quiet alarming that even naive child is a victim of this kind of discursive life. Women have been also analyzed to be part of those bundles of things paraded, bidded for, sold, and traded off despite the fact that women are making huge contributions for the development of their countries in different aspects today, still women are being tricked as commodity. In Shakespeares Much Ado About Nothing, not only focused on the love story of Claudio and Hero; the volatile relationship of Beatrice and Benedik but it also goes much deeper in exploring the tensions between†¦show more content†¦Maternity is now divisible into genetic, gestational, and social motherhood, and these roles can be spread among a number of women. This division is most apparent in the case of surrogate mothers, where at least three (and possibly as many as five) women can attempt to claim parental rights over a child. â€Å"If Mrs. A is infertile and Mrs. B agrees to provide ova to be fertilized in vitro with semen from Mr. A, and embryos are transferred to Mrs. C, who agrees to carry the baby to term and hand it over to Mrs. A and her husband after birth, the situation becomes extremely complex and the basic tenets of family law uncertain. This situation creates the potential for enormous conflict over who should be considered the ‘mother’ and has the concomitant parental rights and responsibilities for the child. For example, in the Baby M case, there was a conflict between two conceptions of ‘motherhood’, the legal (commissioning mother) and the biological (surrogate mother). Surrogacy breaks down and devolves the role of mother, separating the social and nurturing part of motherhood from the genetic contribution and the birthing process. Commercialization and Exploitation While surrogacy in general raises a host of social and ethical problems, I believe that commercial surrogacy in particular can crystallize the difficulties that many people have with surrogacy, and help us get to the core of howShow MoreRelatedWomen as Commodity8915 Words   |  36 PagesWOMEN AS COMMODITY Women As Commodity Since ancient times, There people who are being sold just like a mere things sold in a market to be slaves, pimp, and its quiet alarming that even naive child is a victim of this kind of discursive life. 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