Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation
 

The development and application of a "self-help" industrial training concept for the fashion apparel industry

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https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/r494vp82f

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  • Industrial training in the Fashion Apparel Industry is confronted with difficult objectives. In this industry, continual style and fabric change challenge the effectiveness of conventional industrial training techniques and concepts. To meet this challenge, the "Self-Help" training concept was developed. "Self-Help" centers around the philosophy of training sewing machine operators to be self-sufficient when confronted with a dynamic work environment. "Self-Help" accomplishes this goal by exposing the trainees to the principles of motion economy, feel and work measurement. This training is augmented with practical exercises on various sewing machines normally found in a production sewing department. The training cycle concludes by giving each trainee the opportunity to produce garments requiring the use of lockstitch, hem and overseam sewing machines. When compared to conventional training methods, the anticipated results of "Self-Help" oriented training programs are: increased learning rates, higher overall productivity levels and reduced labor turnover. During the Fall of 1964, a "Self-Help" training program was initiated at Jantzen, Inc., Portland, Oregon. A Control Group, consisting of 73 women, was hired and given on-the-job training. A Test Group, consisting of 33 women, was hired simultaneously and vestibule trained, using the concept of "Self-Help." Performance of the two groups was recorded over a twelve week period and then evaluated with respect to production rates and labor turnover. The results of this evaluation indicated that the learning curve for the Test Group progressed more rapidly than the corresponding curve of the Control Group. A statistical comparison of production rates for the twelfth week of employment indicated that the productivity level of the Test Group was significantly greater than the productivity level of the Control Group. During the entire twelve week evaluation period the labor turnover rate for the Test Group was substantially lower than the corresponding rate of the Control Group. By the end of the twelfth week of employment, the Test Group turnover rate was approximately one-third less than the turnover rate for the Control Group. Based on the results of the evaluation, the author concluded that the "Self-Help" approach to operator training definitely increased worker efficiency while reducing labor turnover. It is suggested, however, that additional research be conducted to further develop and refine the presentation of the unique subjects associated with the "Self-Help" training concept. It would also be advisable to consider the possibility of presenting follow-up short courses to reinforce learning on material covered during the initial "Self-Help" training cycle.
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