Research theme: Modelling manufacturing processes

As manufacturing workplaces become increasingly computer-monitored, computer-controlled and automated, there is a tendency for gaps of understanding to open up between shopfloor operators and line managers and the processes they work with. Previous direct physical engagement (through valves, control guages, etc) with the materials and machines in the process becomes replaced by a mediated relationship through computer control systems. Often, processes become highly automated in ways such that shopfloor employees are excluded from the workings of the process - the knowledge of the expert design and process engineers is not shared with the employees who will operate the system on a daily basis.

Mediated understanding calls for new and different skills - physical engagement and mostly tacit understanding must be replaced by a more explicit understanding based on having awareness and appreciation for the mathematical models that are built into computer systems - which we would term a TmL-based understanding. Our research has explored the nature of this understanding, in the packaging sector, where the use of computer-controlled processes is quite novel, and in the pharmaceuticals manufacturing sector, where the use of computer control and automation is more mature.

The modelling of manufacturing processes has a counterpart in the modelling of financial products.

Learning opportunities within this theme

Modelling manufacturing processes - Extrusion process simulation

Publications about this theme

Noss, R., Bakker, A., Hoyles, C., & Kent, P. (in press). “Situating graphs as workplace knowledge”. To appear in Educational Studies in Mathematics.

Bakker, A., Hoyles, C., Kent, P., & Noss, R. (2006). "Improving work processes by making the invisible visible". Journal of Education and Work, 19, 4, 343-361.

Bakker, A., Hoyles, C., Kent, P. and Noss, R. (2005). “Graphic Examples”. The Packaging Professional, July/August 2005, 12 – 13. Website: www.ioe.ac.uk/tlrp/technomaths/graphicexamples .