Guidelines for developing the skills of air conditioning product designers : a case study of an air conditioner manufacturing company in Amata City Industrial Estate, Chonburi Province
Abstract:
The air conditioning industry is undergoing rapid technological advancements and evolving market demands, making it essential to enhance the capabilities of employees in air conditioner product design. This research aims to explore employees' knowledge, skills, and organizational policies while examining their needs, motivations, and challenges. It also provides recommendations for management to strengthen the workforce in air conditioner product design. This qualitative study employed in-depth interviews, collecting data from 15 participants, including air conditioner product design managers, quality department personnel, senior and general design employees, and specialized experts. The research focused on critical areas such as design knowledge and skills, workforce development policies, and the use of design software like Creo Parametric and AutoCAD. The findings revealed that employees possess significant expertise in using Creo
Parametric and AutoCAD, along with a solid understanding of refrigeration systems and materials science. However, they face limited decision-making opportunities. Key challenges include a lack of in-house experts, insufficient departmental coordination, and constraints in utilizing specialized air conditioner design technologies.