Politics does play an important role in the manufacturing world that we know today. Although manufacturing is only a part of corporations, it is a large part of the corporate world. This week there was a major turning point for the manufacturing world in America. The United States Supreme court reversed a ruling, that banned or limited corporate contributions to federal campaigns.
In the last several decades, our Judicial system has maintained a checks and balance system for political campaign contributions. Unions and major corporations have been limited to the amount of money they can contribute to "business friendly" political parties. The limitations assure individuals, special interest groups, and enviromentalist the same voice as the business world; therefore, maintaining a checks and balance of interests of the American people.
The new ruling has removed the restrictions, therefore allowing political parties to receive large contributions from corporations with deep pockets. The average American citizens can not compete with wealthy corperations. It is in the manufactures/corporate best interests when candidates obtain office that uphold ideas or political points of view that are monetarily beneficial to manufacturing companies.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
The history of Manufacturing
Time has evolved the process of manufacturing as we know it today. When our county was new, and expanding, the demand for products and construction was very high. Through technology and customer demand,the United States has had several "eras" of manufacturing.
The process began in the late 1800's with skilled workers, that used some machinery to produce goods and services. Many factories were developed during this era. The process changed from products being created or manufactured from a skilled person, to many semi-skilled folks concentrating on a specific tasks, this change increased productivity.
In the early 1920, the focus was to manufacture with the goal of Quantity not necessarily Quality of the product. The manufactures or business folks thoughtif we make it, they (consumers) will buy it. Marketing was not a part of the design or even a area of concern in the development stages of the product.
Manufacturing moved to the area of consumer orientation, they had to consider what the Customers wants and needs required of a new products. There was a new focus on Quality of the products that they produced. The products had to meet the expectation of the consumer or they would face loss of sell, and therefore loss of profit. Manufacturing companies found themselves with the need to develop or obtaining Quality Standards in an effort to assure the products they produced maintained an acceptable Quality level.
Manufactures of today have several challenges, they must produce a Quality product, and process it at minimum cost in order to maintain profitability. They are focusing on processes that are automated, thus requiring little or no manpower. Companies that can not afford to invest in the latest equipment or technology are outsourcing products to overseas suppliers. The overseas suppliers can process products using old technology with cheap labor, therefore being very competative in the US market.
As a result of competiveness of these overseas manufacturing companies, several U.S. companies are going out of business. The companies that remain in business require a smaller workforce, thus fewer manufacturing jobs in America.
The process began in the late 1800's with skilled workers, that used some machinery to produce goods and services. Many factories were developed during this era. The process changed from products being created or manufactured from a skilled person, to many semi-skilled folks concentrating on a specific tasks, this change increased productivity.
In the early 1920, the focus was to manufacture with the goal of Quantity not necessarily Quality of the product. The manufactures or business folks thoughtif we make it, they (consumers) will buy it. Marketing was not a part of the design or even a area of concern in the development stages of the product.
Manufacturing moved to the area of consumer orientation, they had to consider what the Customers wants and needs required of a new products. There was a new focus on Quality of the products that they produced. The products had to meet the expectation of the consumer or they would face loss of sell, and therefore loss of profit. Manufacturing companies found themselves with the need to develop or obtaining Quality Standards in an effort to assure the products they produced maintained an acceptable Quality level.
Manufactures of today have several challenges, they must produce a Quality product, and process it at minimum cost in order to maintain profitability. They are focusing on processes that are automated, thus requiring little or no manpower. Companies that can not afford to invest in the latest equipment or technology are outsourcing products to overseas suppliers. The overseas suppliers can process products using old technology with cheap labor, therefore being very competative in the US market.
As a result of competiveness of these overseas manufacturing companies, several U.S. companies are going out of business. The companies that remain in business require a smaller workforce, thus fewer manufacturing jobs in America.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Downsizing
My experience of being "downsized" has had Pros and Con's
The most negative effect is of course the loss of employment after 19 years of service. The loss of permanent full time employment has a dramatic effect on your financial situations. We, (my husband and I) have had to reevaluate our short and long term financial goals. Loss of employment has a emotional effect of people as well, it was an insult to be "terminated" after 4 promotions and 19 years of service. The new company was concerned about the bottom line, profit, not years of service, or loyalty. Another negative aspect of being "downsized" is the loss the "extended family" that you developed over the years. After working with folks for many years, they become your extended family, you actually spend more time with them through the week than your actual family at home.
The upside to being "downsized" is where one door closes another door of opportunity opens. I now know, through prayer that God has a different plan for me.
I have taken the opportunity to continue my education in an effort to obtain a degree. Throughout my career, I had to work twice as hard to obtain a promotion because I did not have the "degree."
I have also taken a few months to reconnect with my family. I am enjoying doing things with my children, and husband that I had not been able to do in the past because of my work schedule. They are enjoying the extra attention since Mom is home.
The most negative effect is of course the loss of employment after 19 years of service. The loss of permanent full time employment has a dramatic effect on your financial situations. We, (my husband and I) have had to reevaluate our short and long term financial goals. Loss of employment has a emotional effect of people as well, it was an insult to be "terminated" after 4 promotions and 19 years of service. The new company was concerned about the bottom line, profit, not years of service, or loyalty. Another negative aspect of being "downsized" is the loss the "extended family" that you developed over the years. After working with folks for many years, they become your extended family, you actually spend more time with them through the week than your actual family at home.
The upside to being "downsized" is where one door closes another door of opportunity opens. I now know, through prayer that God has a different plan for me.
I have taken the opportunity to continue my education in an effort to obtain a degree. Throughout my career, I had to work twice as hard to obtain a promotion because I did not have the "degree."
I have also taken a few months to reconnect with my family. I am enjoying doing things with my children, and husband that I had not been able to do in the past because of my work schedule. They are enjoying the extra attention since Mom is home.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Fast becoming a Dinosaur
America has seen many changes in the Manufacturing industry over the past century. What was once the economical backbone of our country has quickly becoming a dinosaur industry for our country. The manufacturing process has not changed enough to maintain profitability. We are finding more and more manufacturing companies becoming bankrupt and shutting their doors.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)