Benefit Analysis of SPC Panel SP-5 Projects and Evaluation of SPC Panel SP-5 Management and Administration

This Task has investigated the benefits derived from the projects sponsored during the past 10 years by SNAME Ship Production Committee Panel SP-5 on Human Resources Innovation under the National Shipbuilding Research Program. It has found that those projects involving work teams and teaming techniques have yielded the most value in the shipyard community. A close second has been Human Resources workshops and similar opportunities for interaction among participants. The responses from those interviewed clearly endorse the value of such projects, rather than analytical exercises which offer little practical application. This Task has also assessed the opinion of the shipyard using community on the administration and management of Panel SP-5 itself. It has found that the practices currently in effect have been well received, and should be continued with only minor improvements. It has highlighted the fact that SP-5 is the only SPC Panel having representatives of organized labor among its members. Comments from those interviewed further reflect growing concern for the welfare of the NSRP under the present structure. Several points are of particular interest: (1) Communications between Panel members and the ECB are weak and indefinite. (2) The funding cycle for projects is too lengthy and unreliable. (3) Communication of research activities and project results to those in the shipyard community who need such information continues to be a problem area. (4) The relationship between the NSRP and organized labor is limited to only one Panel (SP-5), and needs to be expanded and strengthened.

National Shipbuilding Research Program. Task N8-90-11. Prepared in cooperation with National Steel and Shipbuilding Company, San Diego, CA. Sponsored in part by David Taylor Research Center, Bethesda, MD.