Date of Award
8-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Mechanical Engineering
Committee Chair/Advisor
Dr. Laine Mears
Committee Member
Dr. H. Bryan Riley
Committee Member
Dr. Garrett Pataky
Abstract
Manufacturing productivity is measured by labor productivity which is the hourly output of the manufacturing economy. The recent reduction in productivity numbers by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics emphasizes the need for workforce development. With globalization and technological advancements, diversity has emerged as a critical aspect for the workplace. By encompassing dimensions such as education, race, and age, diversity creates a tapestry of unique perspectives and experiences. This study’s aim is to figure out the effect of a diversity dimension on team performance using intelligent systems, and in addition, if extra dimensions of diversity further impact team performance. To accomplish this, this study employed a manual assembly process with two human participants and an autonomous agent working together as teammates. It measured build time in minutes, the instances of rework, the number of missing fasteners and the detection of part colour errors. This is compared to the composition of the team’s diversity. Based on the experiment, it was determined that educationally diverse teams had a higher performance than the non-diverse team. It was also discovered that additional dimensions of diversity does not necessarily result in better team performance. This study then elucidates the relationship between diversity and team performance, and greater adaptability of manufacturing companies to dynamic market conditions. Also explaining that manufacturing companies can reap several benefits, spur growth, and survive in today's cutthroat environment by strategically implementing the appropriate level of technology and intelligent systems. Using a technological road map that details the intended adoption of various intelligent systems over a predetermined time frame results in greater team performance, increased product quality, cost savings and increased competitiveness.
Recommended Citation
Adeite, Oyinkansola, "The Influence of Diversity Dimensions on Student’s Collaboration Success: What It Means for Workforce Development in Manufacturing" (2023). All Theses. 4097.
https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_theses/4097
Comments
A Thesis Presented to the Graduate School of Clemson University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering