(7) Manufacturing, Design & Quality titles from TVChoice listed for information only

1. EMPOWERING THE PEOPLE (25 minutes) (1992)

This video looks at a factory manufacturing car fuel tanks which claims to have boosted its performance by "empowering" its workers and introducing total quality management.

2. A QUALITY REVOLUTION? (24 minutes) (1992)

This video tells the story of Kemble Instruments, a manufacturer of laboratory automation. Until recently the business was facing financial disaster and serious quality problems. To tackle these issues the management brought in total quality management and a just-in-time approach, based on kan-ban cards. It forged a new relationship with suppliers and reorganised the factory floor. The company now claims to have dramatically improved quality.

3. THE GREEN CHALLENGE (32 minutes) (1995)

What are the key environmental issues facing manufacturing companies? This video offers a global perspective.It examines the problems of water pollution caused by a tannery in Colombia, South America.It shows how a paper mill in Scotland was forced to clean up production through pressure of legislation and has now developed a comprehensive environmental policy.It explores how a Swiss glue manufacturer axed its market leading product and launched a "greener" alternative one.It looks at how businesses in both Senegal and South America are working with the community. In the former Soviet Union, trade unionists are co-operating with management in envionmental initiatives.The conclusion is that sustainable development requires widespread collaboration between all sectors of society and employees at all levels.

4. GOOD MANUFACTURING (25 minutes) (1989)

The modern manufacturer faces many challenges and opportunities but to take advantage of them, firms must get back to the basic principles of good manufacturing. These principles include the company's sense of purpose, appropriate planning and control, attention to measuring performance and the need to keep systems simple. Managers in a range of manufacturing firms explain how these principles are applied in practice.

5. FACTORY OF THE FUTURE (20 minutes) (1988)

How will manufacturing change in the future? Will factories be peopled by robots and controlled by computers? And what will be the role of the human worker?This film traces the history of automation from the days of Henry Ford and Taylorism, through to the 1980s when companies were encouraged to believe in the dream of total automation. Many manufacturers have since found that advanced technology has failed to deliver the promised increase in productivity and a rapidly changing market now demands a more flexible approach.

6. PRODUCT DESIGN: WHY MATERIALS MATTER (21 minutes) (1989)

The design of a product is, of course, critical to its success. But a key part of any design is the choice of material to be used. Lifeboats, aeroplanes, even fillings for teeth - innovations in the use of materials have led to great advances and big profits. But how does a company set about making the choice of material to suit a particular design? This video explores this question through a case study of a company which makes cellular telephones.

Titles also relevant

• 1. What is a Business? (22 minutes) (see 'Introducing Business')

• 2. Computers in Manufacturing (31 minutes) (see 'Business Systems & IT')

• 3. Going for Growth (28 minutes) (see 'Marketing')

Price: UKP 196 each + UKP 26 Action Pack shipping extra