Final answer:
Michelle's activities represent a technical management skill, which involves applying management knowledge and engineering principles to choose and implement effective production technologies to improve plant operations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Michelle's evaluation of new technologies for her plant's production processes demonstrates an ability to apply knowledge of management in a technical context. Such a skill would align with the application of modern engineering tools, the thoughtful analysis of data, and the use of critical thinking to assess the impact of technology in a business setting. In her role, Michelle exemplifies the concept of technical management skill, where the focus is on selecting appropriate technologies to improve production efficiency and achieve a competitive advantage.
This skill incorporates elements of scientific management, where emphasis is made on production efficiency, as well as a clear understanding of how technological changes can influence firm size and market dynamics, as seen in various industry examples, such as electricity generation and tire manufacturing. By evaluating and possibly integrating these technologies, Michelle is positioning her plant to potentially benefit from increased economies of scale or to maintain competitive efficiency even as a smaller firm.