Problem Solving in an AMT Environment: Differences in the Knowledge Requirements for an Interdisciplinary Team

Abstract

In a study of electronics manufacturers in the United States, an effort was made to determine the cognitive skills and knowledge required for interdisciplinary problem solving and their relation with advanced technology. A set of questionnaires was developed, and in each company data were collected from the manager of a concurrent engineering effort; a team leader; and design, manufacturing, and marketing team members. The results presented reflect first that there may be differences in knowledge required for problem solving among design, manufacturing, and marketing personnel. Second, increased use of advanced manufacturing technologies in the workplace corresponds with lower social-interactive requirements for design personnel. The findings suggest that designers of information systems for use in an interdisciplinary environment should consider that different people on the team may rely on different information to make their contribution toward solving a common problem.