Production Competence and Knowledge Generation for Technology Transfer

The ability to execute the physical part of manufacturing will assume greater importance as new technology and knowledge become significant drivers of strategic direction. The case studies described in this chapter address the interaction between technology transfers (TT), production competence and knowledge in enhancing performance in manufacturing organizations. Reference to British and South African case studies provides a useful comparison of production competence in the developed and developing world. In both countries, operators and maintainers lacked detailed knowledge of equipment functionality and performance parameters. United Kingdom (UK) companies demonstrated a deeper understanding of fundamental principles of the underlying production process, enabling them to remedy production deficiencies more thoroughly. South African companies showed greater management commitment to training and group solving approaches.