Title: The skill requirements of CAD/CAM: an exploratory study

Authors: Paul S. Adler

Addresses: Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-4024, USA

Abstract: This paper summarizes the results of field research on the skill requirements associated with the development and implementation of integrated computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology. The research focused on the design and manufacture of electronic printed-circuit boards and hydraulic tubing for aircraft. Trends in the upgrading of skills are described, both in the changing mix of workforce categories and in workforce composition, and some key challenges in human resource management are identified.

Keywords: computer-aided design; CAD; computer-aided manufacturing; CAM; CDCAM; skills requirements; skills trends; skill demographics; human resource management; HRM; printed-circuit boards; PCB design; PCB assembly; hydraulic tubing; aircraft; workforce composition.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1990.025844

International Journal of Technology Management, 1990 Vol.5 No.2, pp.201 - 216

Published online: 25 May 2009 *

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