383-387 Reading Questions

2. What are the major components of the modern automated factory?
An automated factory is a factory that uses extensive computer system, robots, and networks to streamline and automate many jobs. The modern automated factory is a robot which is a computer controlled machine designed to perform specific manual tasks such as assembly line jobs. But robots are only one factor of an automated factory, computers also help track inventory, time and delivery parts, control the quality of the production, monitor wear and tear on machines, and schedule maintenance.
3. How has the evolution of the automated office paralleled the evolution of the computer? 
Modern offices have been transformed by computers. Office automations goes back to the mainframe era when banks and other large institutions used computers for behind the scenes such as accounting and payroll. They were faster than the systems they replaced but were very difficult to use. Using timesharing enabled workers to access computer data. As computer function evolved, so did the ways offices function did too.
4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of telecommuting from the point of view of the worker? management? society? 
From the worker point of view: An advantage would be saving time. Instead of driving two hours to get to work and then working five hours then driving back another two hours, telecommuting saves four hours. It can also give one a very flexible schedule. A disadvantage would be there would be no office social life and it requires a good amount of self-discipline. Lastly, workaholism cuts into family time.
From the point of view of management: Productivity skyrockets, which is a huge advantage but a big negative would be that this would not apply to jobs requiring interaction.
From the point of view of society: An advantage would be that it reduces the number of cars on the street which equals less pollution. A disadvantage would be that workaholism can lead to dysfunctional families.
5. What is de-skilling? What is up-skilling? Give examples of each. 
De-skilling is when a job is transformed so it requires less skill. This is shown when offices automate clerical jobs.
Up-skilling is when a job becomes more technical, requiring the workers to have more skills. Like when some clerical jobs becomes more technical when adopting databases and other computer functions.