Improving Mathematics at Work: The Need for Techno-Mathematical Literacies

Acknowledgements

1. Introduction

1.1 New Demands on Commerce and Industry

1.2 Information Technology and the Changing Nature of Work

1.3 Background to the Research

1.4 A Description of Key Ideas

1.5 Aims and Methods

2. Manufacturing 1: Modelling and Improving the Work Process in Manufacturing Industry

2.1 Process Improvement in Manufacturing

2.2 Workplace Observations of Process Improvement

2.3 Learning Opportunities for Process Improvement

2.4 Outcomes for Learning and Practice

2.5 Conclusions

3. Manufacturing 2: Using Statistics to Improve the Production Process

3.1 Process Control and Improvement Using Statistics

3.2 Workplace Observations of Statistical Process Control

3.3 Learning Opportunities for Statistical Process Control

3.4 Outcomes for Learning and Practice

3.5 Conclusions

4. Financial Services 1: Pensions and Investments

4.1 The Techno-Mathematics of Pensions and the Work of Customer Services

4.2 Workplace Observations in Pensions and Investments

4.3 Pensions and Investments: Tebos and Learning Opportunities

4.4 Outcomes for Learning and Practice

4.5 Conclusions

5. Financial Services 2: Mortgages

5.1 The Techno-Mathematics of the Current Account Mortgage

5.2 Workplace Observations in Mortgage Sales and Customer Service

5.3 Current Account Mortgages: Tebo and Learning Opportunities

5.4 Outcomes for Learning and Practice

5.5 Conclusions

6. Summary, Reflections and Conclusions

6.1 Key Findings

6.2 Understanding Systems with Models: Pseudo-Mathematical and Techno-Mathematical

6.3 Successes and Challenges

6.4 Conclusions and Implications

Appendix: Details of Fieldwork – Companies and Organisations Which Participated In the Research

Appendix: Further Reading on the Techno-Mathematical Literacies Research

Bibliography