B. A trip to a factory

Imagine that you are visiting a busy factory manufacturing the latest gadgets. Whether they make computers, laptops, cell phones, or tablets, most factories are set up in essentially the same way. You reach the building. You enter the building and observe the interior walls that separate work areas. You witness the busy factory workers. The factory usually has some kind of production line where a product is assembled, an executive department that makes the finishing touches in the products, and a packaging department that packages the product. The factory also has a procurement department that purchases the materials to make its products, a warehouse that receives the purchased materials, and a power control room that maintains the factory’s energy requirement. Finally, a maintenance staff who keeps everything clean and in good working order.

Guide Questions:

1. How did you feel after visiting a busy factory?

2. What different departments did you find in the factory?

3. What can you say about the division of labor employed in the factory?

4. Why is division of labor important in any manufacturing company?

​