[Abstract Title:] Spatial implications of new flexible manufacturing technologies and working practices and of producer-user relations in information technology
Part of : Πόλη και περιφέρεια : έκδοση μελετών του χώρου ; No.13, 1987, pages 145
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145
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Spatial implications of new flexible manufacturing technologies and working practices and of producer-user relations in information technology
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Περιλήψεις συνεδρίου
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The paper examines some major innovations in the technical and social organisation of production and speculates on their spatial implications. On the technical side, most of the developments involve the use of linked computer systems, such as "Materials Requirements Planning", Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Computerised Numerical Control and Flexible Manufacturing Systems, Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing and teleprocessing. On the social side there are radically new forms of management techniques, most spectacularly the Japanese "Just-in-Time" system, and new forms of managementlabour relations. The paper discusses their economic implications for labour and capital, arguing that despite their diversity, these developments have similar effects - particularly in terms of increased flexibility - and that their character is influenced by the nature not only of capitalist social relations but of the current recession. Understanding these innovations can also throw new light on the techniques and practices which characterised the post-war boom and on the political consciousness of workers. The spatial implications are explored both at the level of changes in the location and spatial relations of adopters and at the level of changes in global patterns of "comparative advantage". Finally, the implications for the theory of production and uneven development are discussed.
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Περιλήψεις των παρουσιάσεων στο συνέδριο της ΛέσβουAbstracts of papers presented at the Lesvos conference
