In process layout, equipment that function in the same manner is arranged as one is to segregate each process while keeping the machines together (Moran, 2017). In the Christian context, the public address machines will be arranged in the audio-visual department while materials needed to print gospel messages would be found in a printing room (Augustine & Green, 2014).
This method of segregating equipment and their functions makes work more flexible, requires lower investment due to a small taskforce, has no stoppage of production even in the event of a breakdown, and allows for expansion of the business. Process layout also provides equipment to be fully utilized and enhances better supervision (Moran, 2016). Nevertheless, the layout process comes with a myriad of drawbacks. It is difficult to mechanize material handling, thus making it inefficient. There is also a need for high space requirement, a substantial investment, and recruitment of skilled human resource, which is expensive and difficult to obtain. Additionally, one needs a longer time to produce and also comes along with costly supervision (Moran, 2016).
As Christians, we may be faced with a dilemma to employ this method in our daily lives. It is essential to weigh the risk versus benefits, and also utilize the ethical theories supported by scriptures (Utterback, 2013). The Christian Identity and Heritage of Grand Canyon University requires the use of ethical methods like utilitarianism, which means that the choices we make should be of good intent to others (“Bible Gateway passage: John 15:12-14 – New International Version”, 2019). Using this principle, Christians can conduct a risk-benefit analysis of the process method they should apply in their daily lives (Zammori, Braglia & Castellano, 2015)
As shown in the texts above, layout process has its advantages and disadvantages. It is very challenging to settle on a suitable method, and this might require a collaborative effort to choose the best way forward. I would vouch for using the process layout in running a Christian organization.
- Augustine, & Green, R. (2014). On Christian teaching. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Moran, S. (2016). Design and layout of process plants. Engineering & Technology Reference, 1(1). doi: 10.1049/etr.2016.0065
- Moran, S. (2017). Process plant layout. Amsterdam: Elsevier Butterworth-Heinmann.
- Utterback, K. (2013). Teaching medieval christian contemplation: An ethical dilemma? Buddhist-Christian Studies, 33(1), 53-61. doi: 10.1353/bcs.2013.0010
- Zammori, F., Braglia, M., & Castellano, D. (2015). Just-in-time parts feeding policies for paced assembly lines: Possible solutions for highly constrained layouts. International Transactions in Operational Research, 23(4), 691-724. doi: 10.1111/itor.12173
- Bible Gateway passage: John 15:12-14 – New International Version. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A12-14&version=NIV