Job Performance Manuals: An Innovative Tool to Improve Industrial Training

Abstract

The Job Performance Aid (or Manual) is an instructional tool designed to accelerate the training process in an industrial setting. Often used in conjunction with an "on-the-job" training procedure, the manual's aim is to present pertinent information taken from experienced operators in an easy-to-read manner. It provides an alternative to dense, complex operation manuals supplied by manufacturers of the machine. The concept of the manuals was introduced last year by the consulting division of the L. Lee Stryker Center. This paper begins with discussion of the Job Performance Manuals. This includes the purpose of the manuals, how they are organized, and the production process. From here, it moves into an explanation of the Stryker Center's relationship with the Michigan Jobs Commission, and why such an agency was created in the first place. Lastly, the paper analyzes the Borrough's Corporation as a case study in creating Job Performance Aids. The manual I produced for Borrough's is included as an appendix, as well as the staff reports I submitted to my supervisor every week. The paper ends with conclusions I have drawn since the project's completion. I emphasize the importance of the consultant's relationship with the operator(s). An uncooperative operator severely limits the consultant's ability to produce a quality manual. On the other hand, an operator who is highly enthusiastic about the project will enhance the manual considerably. Ideally, the operator should feel personally responsible for the manual's effectiveness. Finally, in the afterword, I mention several reasons why I found my experience this quarter to be valuable.