Mass Producing Fords

Synopsis

Henry Ford’s Model T is for many the symbol of mass production. Ford followed a tradition of scientific management, analysing work practice and reorganising so as to reduce the need for skill and artisanship. A new style factory resulted; such ideas as the standardisation of parts, and chain conveyor belts giving the workers simple, repetitive tasks. Productivity increased enormously, and the price of a Model T was reduced to a level where Ford’s workers could buy them. In 20 years 15 million were built. Using location film at Ford’s first factory in Detroit, archive film from Ford’s own film unit and interviews with retired workers who built Model Ts, pieces together the events which led to the world’s largest manufacturing enterprise.

Series

Technology and Change, C1750-1914, Course A281

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 25 min.

Year of production

1984

Availability

OUT OF DISTRIBUTION

Uses

Useful for stimulating discussion on production methods. It is more concerned with the organisation of labour than with the history of technology.*

Subjects

Technology

Keywords

cars; history of technology; manufacturing industries; motor vehicle manufacturing industries

Credits

Producer

Neil Cameron

Cast

James Moore

Production Company

Name

BBC Open University Productions

Distributor

Name

Open University Worldwide

Web

http://www.ouw.co.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

+44 (0) 1908 274066

Address

Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA

Notes

NB. As of May 2016 Open University Worldwide are no longer distributing DVDs. They have posted this message on their website: ‘Unfortunately Open University Worldwide Limited has decided that product sales are no longer viable given the reduced funding to Higher Education institutions and diminishing demand for the products we have traditionally stocked. At present the Open University Students Association (OUSA) will continue to sell the "Good Study Guide", and we are in discussion with other possible distributors to continue to make The Open University’s products available for purchase. As soon as we have any information on other channels of distribution we will update this notice’. Some products are still available via second hand dealers on Amazon.co.uk