46 THE DESIGN AND NEW CONSTRUCTION 



draughtsman), the civiHan head of the design and scientific branch, the lead- 

 ing draughtsman in charge of the design plan room, and the electrical aide, 

 meet in the office for a conference. 



This generally lasts for one-half to one hour, and at this time we discuss 

 organization, changes in methods and order of doing work, lines of investiga- 

 tion, the best manner of carrying on work, but as a rule no details of work 

 on ships. Discussion as to work on ships is done at special meetings held 

 from time to time or in the workrooms with the individuals. Suggestions as 

 to improvements in methods or on any other subject pertinent to the work of 

 the Division are invited from all employees and officers. 



Unfortunately no money reward can be offered for those of value, but 

 credit on the efficiency records is given and the esprit de corps is such that 

 frequent and valuable suggestions by employees are made. 



The endeavor has been made to give each employee an assignment to 

 temporary duty in the line of his specialty outside of Washington at least 

 once a year, when opportunity arises. This is done with the idea of broaden- 

 ing the point of view of the employee and facilitating his keeping in touch 

 with methods in the yards and manufactories. 



The system outlined above is a development of many years of experience 

 in this character of work, and the writer claims no special credit for it. 



The fundamentals of the organization were determined under a former 

 president of this Society when he ably held the position of Chief Constructor 

 of the Navy. The division, since these fundamentals were determined, has 

 been under Mr. H. G. Smith, now manager of the Fore River Shipbuilding 

 Co., and Mr. H. S. Ferguson, now general manager, Newport News Ship- 

 building & Dry Dock Co. To these gentlemen much of the development 

 is due. 



The development has gone on under the writer's immediate direction 

 during the incumbency of Chief Constructor Capps and his successor, the 

 present Chief of Bureau, Chief Constructor Watt. 



The credit, if any, is due as much to the individual employees as to any 

 one, as through their suggestions many, if not most, of the improvements 

 have been made. 



No special advocacy is made as to the application of this system to the 

 problems of others. Indeed it may not be suitable for others, though it suits 

 our case well. 



The keynotes are simplicity and order. 



Its result, though we hope for further improvement, is efficiency. 



