CHAPTER 6 WORK CENTER MANAGEMENT AND QUALITY ASSURANCE To most personnel, an assignment to a supervisory position is a welcome challenge. They like the feeling of the added prestige, authority, and the responsibility that accompanies the assignment. However, when you do reach this level, you may soon realize that the position of Work Center Supervisor is not as easy as it  may  have  seemed  when  viewed  from  another position. Each day you may be confronted with many new problems and situations that require immediate action. If you know the duties, responsibilities, personnel, equipment, tools, and job priorities, it will be easier to function in a supervisory capacity. However, if you don’t  possess  this  knowledge,  your  troubles  may multiply at an alarming rate. A supervisor sets in motion the plans, schedules, and policies of his superiors. When you become a supervisor, you are primarily concerned with seeing that the job is done correctly, safely, and efficiently with no waste of materials. You will not necessarily perform  the  work  yourself.  You  must  know  your personnel, know their limitations, assign them the work to be done, train them to do the best job possible, and, if necessary, direct them through the performance of the work. YOU assume the responsibility for seeing that the job is done, and done right. This role demands skill, common sense, and mutual respect. OBJECTIVES OF THE WORK CENTER  SUPERVISOR The first part of this chapter will discuss some of A  specific  list  of  duties  and  responsibilities  can the general duties and responsibilities of a supervisor be  made  concerning  only  a  specific  position. and a few ways to prevent some problems before they However, listed below are some typical duties and are problems. responsibilities  common  to  all  work  center  supervisors: THE WORK CENTER SUPERVISOR LEARNING  OBJECTIVES:  Describe  the primary concerns of the work center supervisor. Describe how the work center layout affects efficiency and safety. To be a supervisor, you must clearly understand the terms supervision and supervisor. SUPERVISION can  be  defined  as  the  act  of  guiding,  directing, overseeing, evaluating, and controlling the activities of others in the accomplishment of an objective. A SUPERVISOR can be defined as the one who is responsible for and directs the work of others. Get the right person on the job at the right time Use and place materials economically Ensure personnel and equipment safety Promote high morale Maintain quality work Keep accurate records and reports Maintain discipline within the work center Plan and schedule work Train  personnel Procure the proper tools and equipment to do the work THE SUPERVISORY POSITION Inspect,   preserve,   and   protect   tools   and equipment The job of supervising your personnel in a work center is a many sided task. Some of the techniques are learned through past experience; others will be learned during actual supervision. Still other techniques may be  learned  from  self-study  courses  and  technical publications. Give clear orders and directions Maintain liaison with other work centers Check and inspect jobs and workmanship Promote teamwork Maintain good housekeeping 6-1