Managing the Micro

This series aimed primarily at small businesses and further education colleges was fronted by the much respected Radio 4 'Today' presenter Brian Redhead. It showed examples of what can be done by looking at companies which had embraced the new technology in manufacturing or services. A typical example was the new use of bar codes in Tesco's supermarkets

1 series, 5 programmes
First broadcast: 17th May 1981
Thinking Small

Managing the Micro

1. Thinking Small

First broadcast: 17th May 1981
Duration 24:46

BRIAN REDHEAD examines some of the implications of the new technological revolution for people in industry today. 1: Thinking Small: 'Software control' is said to be the key to the importance of 'the micro'. But what does that mean? And how is microelectronics helping small companies to stay competitive at a difficult time? Film editor M. A. C. ADAMS Producer DAVID ALLEN

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2. Getting in on the Act

First broadcast: 24th May 1981
Duration 24:23

BRIAN REDHEAD examines some of the implications of the new technological revolution in industry. 2:Getting in on the Act: It is said that companies must 'think micro' because if they don't others will. But how can a micro be introduced into a new product? And how much risk is there? An electronic piano tuner, a greenhouse controller, a tape measure and a digital read-out for machine tools help show what is involved. Film editor U. A. C. ADAMS Producer DAVID ALLEN

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3. Towards the Last Frontier

First broadcast: 31st May 1981
Duration 24:35

BRIAN REDHEAD examines some of the implications of the new technological revolution for people in industry today.3: Towards the Last Frontier: Britain's industrial survival may depend on the readiness of companies to adopt flexible, computer-based manfacturing methods. But flexibility is not just a matter of equipment. It's also a question of attitudes and the ability to come to terms with the human effects of change. Director: DAVID SCOTT COWAN Producer: DAVID ALLEN

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4. On Line

First broadcast: 7th June 1981
Duration 24:30

BRIAN REDHEAD examines some of the implications of the new technological revolution for people in industry today. 4: On Line: Laser supermarket check-outs, new time clocks at British Leyland, and Viewdata terminals in the local garage are only the tips of a number of electronic icebergs-networks of information links which are beginning, for good or ill, to have a far-reaching effect on the high street and on white-collar jobs in industry. Director DAVID SCOTT COWAN Producer DAVID ALLEN

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5. The Human Factor

First broadcast: 14th June 1981
Duration 24:27

BRIAN REDHEAD examines some of the implications of the new technological revolution. 5: The Human Factor: The office is ripe for major changes and there have already been disputes over the introduction of new equipment such as word processors. How do people react to the micro? Is the spread of the new technology inevitable? Director DAVID SCOTT COWAN Producer DAVID ALLEN

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