Lecture 1 - Technological Society

Question 1

Define ergonomics

Answer 1

A discipline that involves arranging the work environment (i.e. home, school, at one’s job) to fit the people in it.

Question 2

What are repetitive stress injuries?

Answer 2

injuries resulting from excessive and repeated physical stresses on musculoskeletal system

Question 3

List the key concepts of a technological society

Answer 3

• Specialization of labour
• Energy derived from machines
• Standardization and interchangeability of parts
• Use of machines
• Mass production and mass consumption
• Use of the assembly line
• Computers and computer networks

Question 4

Key concept 1: Specialization of Labour

Answer 4

• increased degree of specialization

Question 5

Key concept 2: Energy Dervied from Machines

Answer 5

• 1776:Invention of steam engine
• Electric motor
• Internal combustion engine
• Computer
• Modern communication

Question 6

Key concept 3: Standardization and Interchangeability of parts

Answer 6

Standardization
– Reduces number of choice available
– Can reduce production costs
– Is often opposed by sales departments
* Interchangeability of parts
– Requires accurate machine tools
– Began in 1820s–1850s and spread gradually.

Question 7

Key concept 4: Use of Machines

Answer 7

• Machines reduce the effect of distance on transport and communication
• In production, electric motors and computers have
  replaced human labor
• Humans are now the supervisors of machines

Question 8

Key concept 5: Mass Production and Mass Consumption

Answer 8

• Mass production and consumption are interdependent.
• High productivity permits high wages.
• High wages allow workers to purchase products.
• High sales volumes permit high wages.
• Reduces product costs
• Products not designed to last long (planned obsolescence)

Question 9

Key Concept 6: Use of Assembly Line

Answer 9

• Product moves past stationary machines and workers.
• Sequence of operations is standardized.
• Machines are specialized.

Question 10

Key Concept 7: Computers

Answer 10

• Developed in1940s
• Stored programs (processor and memory)
• Transistor
• Constantly increasing speed and decreasing cost
• Make machines more flexible and free up workers to supervise

Question 11

Information and Communications Networks

Answer 11

• One-to-many networks
• Many-to-many networks
• The Internet
• Mobile phones, hand-held computers
• Virtual offices
• International interaction
• Direct computer-to-computer interaction