Perspectives of computerized numerical control (CNC) machinists on the tasks of CNC machining technology in Taiwan

This study identified and validated the tasks of CNC machining technology as an efficient reference for developing effective educational curriculum at the level of vocational industrial senior high schools in Taiwan. A descriptive job survey method, using a researcher-developed job task inventory questionnaire, was employed to identify and consolidate the perspectives of CNC machinists in the field of CNC machine tool manufacturers. The primary procedures involved: (a) Document analysis--derived duty areas, duties, and tasks from current available documents, articles, curriculum models, and instructional materials; (b) Panel validation--validated the tasks by an expert panel in the field of CNC machine tool manufacturers; and (c) Survey questionnaire--rated the importance levels of each task by CNC machinists in the field of CNC machine tool manufacturers in Taiwan. There were 270 respondent questionnaires (response rate 88%) available for analysis. The results of data collection revealed that the impact of advanced technology has shifted the nature of CNC machining technology. A number of tasks related to cutting-edge technology and automation will become more important in 3 to 5 years from now in Taiwan. The responsibility of CNC machinists currently is focused on CNC machining. However, CNC programming will become more important and involve CAD/CAM systems in 3 to 5 years from now. Ninety-nine out of 100 job tasks were identified as either important or moderately important on the scale of current importance. On the other hand, 98 out of 100 tasks were identified as either stabilizing or increasing in importance in 3 to 5 years from now. Consequently, two sets of machinists' tasks were generated--current and future. Each set of tasks was divided into two levels--core tasks and supporting tasks--for instructional implementation.