bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Ergonomics in the Design of Public Payphones
Authors: Sen Rabindra Nath , Liew Kok-leong
Published: January 2012

The present study aimed at investigating user's preferences for public payphones and addressed some of the issues associated with extra services, comfort and satisfaction levels or user-friendliness on the existing features and ergonomic design of public payphone. The study also looked into the merits and demerits of the existing payphone facilities.
“Experience” and WWW Searching, or the Search for the Www “Expert”
Authors: Thatcher A
Published: January 2012

Observational, log-file and post-task interview data were collected from forty subjects while they were engaged in a directed search task and a general purpose browsing task. This data was used to determine the search strategies of experienced and novice users on the two tasks. These results suggest that the search strategies vary according to the task and according to experience. It is suggested that experienced users' strategies differ more on the two tasks than novice users. These results are discussed in relation to previous published literature on WWW cognitive search strategies.
Extracting End-User Characteristics When Designing for the Internet
Authors: Bélanger Hugues , Iozzo Nick
Published: January 2012

Cognitive design is a systems approach to designing a human-computer interface that draws from a combination of the behavioral sciences, software engineering, and computer science to design an expandable system that is useful and easy to use. It is a critical, up-front part of the design process and provides the focus for a multi-disciplinary approach to user-centered design. This paper reviews the various phases of cognitive design, as well as how the nature of the web industry often requires the process to be modified. A case study is presented to illustrate how the design process can be adapted and still follow sound cognitive design principles.
Web-Based Interface Design for Teleoperation
Authors: Song Dezhen , Kaber David B.
Published: January 2012

This article focuses on web-based teleoperation system design. We review current web-based telerobotic systems and identify human factors issues associated with them. Subsequently, the difficulties and challenges of interface design for web-based teleoperation are analyzed from the perspectives of system implementation and human factors. A prototyped web-based system was developed to further explore the design problems. An empirical study involving comparison of different prototype design options is described. On the basis of the research, several design guidelines were formulated for future work in this area.
Utilizing Internet Technology for Ergonomic Training
Authors: Byrne Kevin
Published: January 2012

The world is witnessing an explosive rise in the utilization of internal computer networks and the Internet. Ergonomic programs can benefit from many powerful features of these networks, including widespread availability, compatibility between computer platforms, ease of updates, and centralized data storage and retrieval. Potential benefits to ergonomic training programs are self-directed learning, anytime/anywhere delivery of information and tremendous potential for data tracking.
Effects of Visual Interface Design, and Control Mode and Latency on Performance, Telepresence and Workload in a Teleoperation Task
Authors: Kaber David B. , Riley Jennifer M. , Zhou Rong , Draper John
Published: January 2012

Human-machine interfaces that facilitate telepresence are speculated to improve performance with teleoperators. Unfortunately, there is little experimental evidence to substantiate a direct link between the two. Further, there are limited data available on technological and psychological factors that affect telepresence. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of interface design configuration, and control mode and latency on teleoperation performance, telepresence, and workload in a pick-and-place task. It was conducted to enhance understanding of the concept of telepresence and promote future development of telepresence-based guidelines for teleoperator systems. An experiment was conducted in which subjects were required to control a telerobot in a simple pick-and-place task through a virtual reality (VR) interface with or without live-video feedback on the motion of the robot. Rotational or translational motion control of the robot was studied under four control latencies ranging from 0 to 4 seconds. Results demonstrated significant benefits of using VR in conjunction with video feedback to control the telerobot. Rotational control appeared to better meet user expectations of robot motion control than modes involving translations of joint positions. Performance with the VR interface without live video feedback appeared to be sensitive to control latency. Correlation analysis provided further evidence of a positive link between telepresence and performance.
Simulator Sickness Symptoms during Team Training in Immersive Virtual Environments
Authors: Lampton Donald Ralph , Rodriguez Mar Esther , Cotton James Eastham
Published: January 2012

Fifty-five women and 38 men recruited from local colleges practiced building-search missions in Virtual Environments using the Fully Immersive Team Training research system. The Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) was administered before the first immersion, and after each of up to 5 immersions of approximately 8 minutes duration. Mean SSQ total severity scores and participant comments indicated that symptoms abated after the first immersion, then for some participants symptoms increased with subsequent immersions. For each of the 5 immersions eye strain was the most frequently reported symptom. 9% of the participants, all women, dropped out because of reported simulator sickness.
Toward Ecological Validity of Research on Cognition
Authors: Hoc Jean-Michel
Published: January 2012

Psychology is one of the main disciplines that have been implied in the development of cognitive ergonomics. For a long time, at least from the sixties, some researchers in psychology have contributed to cognitive ergonomics with the aim of elaborating basic psychological knowledge, (a) with high ecological validity, and (b) with clear relevance to application. This paper stresses the value of this perspective for psychology as well as cognitive ergonomics, and evaluates the results of such an enterprise.
Human Work in the Call Centres
Authors: Bagnara Sebastiano , Gabrielli Francesca , Marti Patrizia
Published: January 2012

Many people are currently working in call centres and much more are expected to work in them in the near future. Call centres are in a sense “modern factories” where services are delivered through information and communication technologies. This paper describes the technological evolution and discusses some aspects of human and work organisation in call centres. The final part of the paper focuses on a crucial issue commonly to be faced in call centres: the building up of organisational memories.
Enhancing the Applicability of Approaches to the Design of Cognitive Working Systems
Authors: Darses Françoise
Published: January 2012

While cognitive ergonomics has undoubtedly imposed itself as a scientific discipline, it is still only applied in an approximative fashion by consultant ergonomists in their day-to-day work of analysing and improving socio-technical systems. The cognitive analysis of work often draws more on the intuition derived from operators' cognitive activities than from the results of rigorous methodological approaches. From my point of view, this hampers the expansion of cognitive activity as a vehicle for transforming socio-technical systems. Developing practical means (techniques and methods) for applying cognitive ergonomics is thus a challenge we have to face for the future, if this discipline is to contribute fully to the improvement of working systems on a daily basis.
Are Observers Ever Really Complacent When Monitoring Automated Systems?
Authors: Moray Neville
Published: January 2012

A recurring worry in recent applied research on the role of humans in highly reliable automated systems has been the fear of “complacency‘, or the tendency to trust automation too much, with the consequence that faults or abnormal function go undetected. Existing evidence does not support the conclusion that operators are complacent. Rather, it supports the notion that in any complex dynamic system even an operator who is well calibrated with respect to the probability of faults, who shows eutactic behaviour, and who behaves optimally cannot be expected to detect all faults. The question of what strategy should be adopted when monitoring a highly reliable system is discussed.
The Application of a Cognitive Model as a Human Factors Decision Support System for Design Teams
Authors: Eilbert James , Bracken Kevin , Campbell Gwendolyn E. , McDonald Bruce
Published: January 2012

The push in the Navy to design and build new ships that can be effectively manned with dramatically fewer sailors raises key Human Factors issues that must be addressed in the system design process. To promote the understanding of these issues and their solutions throughout the system design team, an effort is currently underway to develop a software agent, called the Executive Advisor (EA). This agent will alert and advise systems engineers and the rest of the engineering team regarding human factors issues and analyses appropriate to the current stage of the system design process. The EA is being built with a cognitive modeling tool called iGEN™, in order to (a) enable context-sensitive reasoning about relevant human factors issues, and (b) facilitate human-agent dialogue. The capabilities and structure of the agent will be described.
Empirical Investigation of a Workspace Model for Chemical Engineers
Authors: Wolf Martin , Foltz Christian , Schlick Christopher , Luczak Holger
Published: January 2012

This paper presents the concept of a groupware-system suited for the early stages of a chemical design process. Within the scope of the system's development, a requirement analysis was carried out at an international chemicals group. Based on this analysis, at first a new conceptual model and after it a groupware concept was developed, which considers the particularities of the chemical design processes, especially the mental models of chemical designers. By evaluating this concept, the concept's practical relevance was demonstrated and further specific requirements of the groupware system were defined.
Evaluation of the Ergonomic Aspects of Portable Personal Computers with Flat Panel Displays (PC-FPDs)
Authors: Villanueva Maria Beatriz G. , Jonai Hiroshi , Sotoyama Midori , Saito Susumu
Published: January 2012

Adverse effects may accompany the increased popularity of portable computers (PC-FPDs). This paper evaluated the ergonomic aspects of PC-FPD use in two (2) experiments. The first phase studied the posture, muscle load, complaints and performance of the subjects. Ten subjects performed a text-entry task for 5 minutes using a desktop computer and 4 PC-FPDs of various sizes. Viewing and neck angles were lower and the trunk was more forward inclined while using the PC-FPDs. Muscle activities of the neck extensor during work with PC-FPDs were also higher than for the desktop computer. Increasing discomfort and difficulty of keying validated by decreasing performance with smaller PC-FPDs were noted. The second experiment looked at the effect of FPD tilt on body and eye positions and luminance. Another 10 subjects were asked to transcribe sentences using a 13.3-inch FPD with the screen set at tilt angles from 100 to 140 degrees. The results showed that at a 100-degree tilt, the subjects assumed a relatively upward gaze, longer viewing distance, wider elbow angle and forward trunk inclination with the chair height set the lowest and the computer set farthest from the edge of the table. These findings may be explained by the intent of the subjects to obtain the best viewing parameters. The subjects had the greatest difficult using the computer at this tilt angle. This setting was also least preferred during the experiment. Our studies show the need for ergonomic guidelines specific for PC-FPD use.
Measurement of Stiffness and Damping Characateristics of Computer Keyboard Keys
Authors: Marklin Richard W. , Nagurka Mark L.
Published: January 2012

The tactile feel of a computer key is the composite of static and dynamic components, which include stiffness and damping. A computer-controlled test rig that can measure computer key displacement, velocity, and contact force was designed and constructed and used for testing of computer keys. The hypothesis of this study is that mechanical damping of computer keys occurs (i.e. contact force is a function of travel speed), thereby possibly playing a significant role in explaining the association between computer keyboard usage and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Preliminary results show that a computer keyboard key with a rubber dome mechanism dissipates energy during a depression-return stroke as the velocity of travel increases, indicating the presence of mechanical damping.
Finger Muscle Activity during Use of Different Pointing Devices
Authors: Rempel David , Jacobson Melissa , Brewer Rich , Martin Bernard
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to compare surface and fine wire EMG amplitude measures from the extrinsic index finger muscles while subjects performed computer based pointing tasks with four different pointing devices. Fifteen subjects, without a history of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders were recruited to this laboratory study. Fine wires were inserted into the extrinsic index finger movers and surface EMG electrodes were placed over the same muscles. Maximum voluntary contractions were performed for each muscle group. Subjects then performed two standardized pointing tasks, one involving repeated clicking of the mouse button and the other involving repeated dragging. The RMS EMG signals were filtered, normalized to MVC, and amplitude probability distribution functions at 10, 50 and 90% were calculated. Subjects also rated fatigue and discomfort associated with each devices and tasks. Summary measures of the EMG and subjective ratings will be evaluated using repeated measures analysis of variance for the two conditions and four devices.
Tools for Modeling Human Performance in Systems Through Green-Colored Glasses: An Army Perspective
Authors: Allender Laurel
Published: January 2012

Providing an authoritative representation of human behavior has recently been recognized as essential for modeling and simulation of system performance. Even earlier; however, the Human Research & Engineering Directorate of the U.S. Army Research Laboratory was working to do just that in a tool called IMPRINT, (the Improved Performance Research Integration Tool). IMPRINT enables a quantitative portrayal of human performance. Task network modeling is implemented with embedded data and sound psychological methods in an easy-to-use interface, all of which has been subjected to intensive verification and validation. IMPRINT is being used today to influence system design and acquisition decisions. Several examples of applications to Army systems are discussed, with implications ranging from detailed equipment design to force-on-force effectiveness. Of course, “more research needs to be done,” but in the meantime, human performance modeling is ready for use.
Psychosocial Elements of Urban Space for an Ergonomic Analysis
Authors: Bessa Olavo Fontes Magalhães , Santos Elaine Cristina dos , Rocha Edivania Maria , de Moraes Anamaria
Published: January 2012

This study was carried out in Alfenas (population: 60,000) in the interior of Brazil. A list of some psychosocial aspects identified in the urban space was prepared to help in the ergonomic studies. A photo-study was conducted at the central square (downtown) aimed at enabling use of these items as tools.
Computer Ergonomics for Teachers and Students
Authors: Williams Inger M. , Cook Tom , Zigler Tami
Published: January 2012

To define the need for computer ergonomics among elementary public schools (Kindergarten – 6th grade) a survey was conducted in 228 schools in Oregon, USA. Two hundred eighteen teachers, 32%, responded. The survey addressed issues related to: students' computer workstation set up and work habits; teachers' perception of students postural and visual comfort level during computer use in school; teacher education in ergonomics and computer skills; teachers' views on a computer ergonomics education program and ways to introduce it into school activities. A pilot program presented as a free ergonomic resource web site was developed based on the survey results.
The Effectiveness of Human Anatomy Instruction as a Function of Media Style
Authors: Pathak Sonali K. , Bliss James P.
Published: January 2012

Computer software and the Internet provide multimedia interactive learning environments. Because of the potential to use multimedia tools to enhance educational environments, it is important to determine which modalities enhance retention most. Differences between pre and post-tests were compared for groups receiving lecture (LEC), lecture combined with an educational CD-ROM (CD-ROM), or lecture with World Wide Web access (WWW). The CD-ROM group was expected to perform best because of dynamic illustrations and audio sound narration, supporting dual modalities for working memory coding. The WWW group scores on a post-test were expected to learn better than the LEC group, but not as well as the CD-ROM group. As predicted the CD-ROM group had the most improvement from pre to post-test, followed by the LEC and the WWW groups. This suggests that using animated graphics with audio narration benefits learning. Our findings also suggest that Web sites can benefit from the inclusion of interactive media.
Preparing to Watch TV: A Training Model for Accessing Captions for Students who are Deaf
Authors: Lewis Margaret S. Jelinek , Jackson Dorothy W.
Published: January 2012

Adding captions to televised programs was a media modification to enable accessibility of television to people with restricted access to the audio components, such as those who are deaf or hard-of hearing. Captioned television for the deaf is becoming quite common. In the United States, television captions are generally in written English; however, the English literacy rate among people who are deaf is quite low. Therefore, this research explored a way to make captioned television usable by its intended audience. An instructional method was implemented among a group of junior high school students who are deaf, to train them to be attentive to certain types of information by facilitating their acquisition of knowledge and critical viewing. The initial implementation of the training suggests a need for improving deaf students' access to their prior knowledge to apply to reading comprehension and language related skills. The results of the two-week training of no increase in captioning comprehension bring into question the issue of true accessibility and the utility of the format of captioning as presently developed.
The Framework for Forming of Ergonomic Terminology
Authors: Grozdanovic Miroljub
Published: January 2012

The terminology of today in system ergonomics, demands suitable revision; renewal and supplementation of notions, so that the contemporary ergonomic scientific thought would be comprehensible for both the researchers and the users.
Macroergonomics for Coalition Operations
Authors: Heacox Nancy J. , Moore Ronald A. , Smillie Robert J.
Published: January 2012

Today, a U.S. military operation is most frequently a coalition operation. The challenges inherent in military operations are exacerbated by the complexity of coalition operations. The U.S. military must often design and carry out a plan that involves multiple coalition partners, many of whom come from other cultures. Coalition operations are also high stakes operations that garner much attention worldwide. A macroergonomics perspective was used to analyze coalition operations; in this view, the coalition operation is a virtual organization. The complexities of coalition operations, their frequencies and high stakes were driving forces behind a project to apply organizational architectures and decision support technologies for planning and managing these operations. Vulnerabilities were identified in the operations execution process in areas of inter-group communications and coordination. A decision support system is currently being designed for collaborative, real-time use by coalition partners to address these vulnerabilities.
Ergonomic Interventions Concepts and Research
Authors: LeGrande David , Cahill Janet , Conway Frank
Published: January 2012

The development of cooperative ergonomic intervention research between labor and the scientific community is necessary to develop an objective data base to resolve workplace safety and health problems or deficiencies as well as adequately determine which measures reduce/prevent worker health problems related to improper workplace ergonomics. Under the direction of its Occupational Safety and Health Department, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) has established such an approach. The Union has sponsored and conducted numerous scientific investigations with scientists in academia and the federal government that have produced important and useful scientific information regarding workplace ergonomics. This paper discusses the approach developed by CWA as well as successful ergonomic intervention efforts.
Total Quality Management and Teamwork in the Public Sector: The Wisconsin Department of Revenue Study
Authors: Hoonakker Peter , McEniry Mary , Carayon Pascale , Korunka Christian , Sainfort Francois
Published: January 2012

In this study, survey questionnaire data was collected on employees' perception of Total Quality Management (TQM). A total of 1278 employees of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue participated in the study. TQM implementation and teamwork can both have positive and negative effects on job design and psychosocial factors, and therefore, on quality of working life. Results showed that teamwork in the context of TQM had positive impact on several job and organizational characteristics and job satisfaction, but also some negative impact on work pressure and job strain. Further research is necessary to understand whether these effects are actually caused by working as a team.
Practice of Ergonomics Management in Industrial Design
Authors: Jean-François Thibault
Published: January 2012

In Europe, a lot of industrial projects, in particular on the processing industries, integrate ergonomics approach in design projects. This paper sums up practising of jointly consultants and scientists who developed a type of ergonomics management in eight projects of building plants between 1991 to 1999. This practice shows connections between macroergonomics and microergonomics approaches.
Effects of Variable-Priority Training on Automation-Related Complacency: Performance and Eye Movements
Authors: Metzger Ulla , Duley Jacqueline A. , Abbas Rameez , Parasuraman Raja
Published: January 2012

The effectiveness of variable-priority training in reducing automation-related complacency was examined. Participants were trained under one of three attention allocation strategies, whole task (WT), part task (PT), or variable priority (VP). They subsequently monitored an automated system while simultaneously performing tracking and fuel management tasks. Eye movements were recorded to investigate attention allocation strategies. Results pointed to a trend for VP training to reduce complacency, compared to WT or PT training. The relationship between performance in each of the three training groups and eye movements to the automated task was inconsistent.
Does Group Training Work for Adults? A Study on Computer-Based Shop Floor Control Training
Authors: Tang Kuo-Hao , Tsai Li-Chen , Pan Chien-Hui
Published: January 2012

This research investigates how group training impacts experienced workers in computer-based cognitive tasks, and use both mean performance and performance variance to address issues regarding training efficiency. The analysis suggests that lower achievers are benefited more from group training, and the performance variance for the individual group is significantly larger than groups of two and three trainees.
Improving Teams' Interpositional Knowledge Through Cross Training
Authors: Cooke Nancy J. , Cannon-Bowers Janis A. , Kiekel Preston A. , Rivera Krisela , Stout Rene'e J. , Salas Eduardo
Published: January 2012

Recent investigations of team training have demonstrated advantages of cross training team members in the positions of other team members. Such benefits have been attributed to increases in interpositional knowledge. In an attempt to reduce the time demands of cross training, a conceptual cross-training condition that targeted teamwork knowledge was compared to traditional full cross-training and two control conditions. Three-person teams were assigned to a training condition and participated in two synthetic helicopter missions. Outcomes, team process behaviors, team situation awareness, taskwork knowledge, and teamwork knowledge were measured. Results indicated weak support for the benefits of full cross-training on team performance, yet minimal support for conceptual cross-training. Further, teams cross-trained in the traditional manner acquired more teamwork and taskwork interpositional knowledge than teams in any other condition. Both types of interpositional knowledge were correlated with team performance.
Modeling Training Effects in Computer Generated Forces
Authors: Archer Rick , Walters Brett , Yow Amy
Published: January 2012

The use of Computer Generated Forces (CGF) in simulations ranges from small human performance models to large scale Advanced Distributed Simulations (ADS). CGF have been used to assess human performance aspects of system designs and to augment man-in-the-loop simulators with friendly and opposing forces to make simulated battlefield training exercises realistic. However, the current human performance models and ADS available to system designers, trainers, and resource allocation analysts do not include the effects of training on the performance of the CGF. For the most part, the CGF entities in these simulations reflect a constant level of training. This paper discusses a methodology for modeling the effects of training in CGF and other human performance models
Ergonomic Analysis of Movement Retraining of Computer Users: A Pilot Study
Authors: Pereira William A. , Tittiranonda Pat , Burastero Stephen R.
Published: January 2012

Two groups of movement retrained computer users with prior computer-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders underwent qualitative orthogonal video motion analysis. Ergonomic analysis of subjects' computer use habits suggests that movement retraining may decrease risk factors for work related musculoskeletal disorders and therefore warrants further study.
Ergonomic Self Reliance “A Structured Approach”
Authors: Piotrowski Roman
Published: January 2012

Ergonomics in industry takes many forms and a variety of techniques are applied for the data collection of ergonomic concerns.

At the Rover Group (BMW) Swindon site, chosen shop floor associates are trained in the principles of ergonomics. They lead all ergonomic assessments with the full support of the local production manager known as the ABA plan owner.

This Ergonomic “facilitator” uses an ergonomic assessment sheet known Associate job Analysis A.B.A. developed by BMW AG Germany. This takes the form of simple charts to store issues categorised as Red Amber or Green (RAG) concerns. It can effectively deal with local and departmental issues using an ergonomic approach.

The author, who is the site ergonomist, will share results of the activities within their environment and explain the principles of Ergonomic Self-Reliance and the infrastructure that supports it.
Crew Performance in Space: Evidence from Simulation Studies
Authors: Sandal Gro M.
Published: January 2012

The operation of a permanently manned International Space Station represents a significant challenge to space agencies in the area of ensuring optimal crew performance. Interpersonal tension represents one factor that might interfere with the ability of individuals and groups to cooperate and communicate efficiently. An ongoing simulation study conducted at the Institute of Biomedical Problems in Moscow has provided an opportunity to investigate the interaction within and between two crews with four members, living for 110 and 240 days in separate modules. One group is multinational and the other is composed of Russians. The objective is to identify factors increasing interpersonal tension and strategies used by crewmembers for dealing with such problems. At regular intervals during the confinement, peer ratings and questionnaires concerning interpersonal relationships, mood and well being are completed. After the confinement, individual interviews are conducted. Preliminary results show that two critical incidents (violence and unwanted sexual approach) have resulted in a breakdown in communication between the two crews. The crews have reported frustration with how space agencies and outside personnel have dealt with these incidents. One subject left the chambers after 60 days of confinement.
A System to Understand Human-Machine Function Allocation Issues in Visual Inspection
Authors: Jiang X. , Bingham J. , Master R. , Gramopadhye A. K. , Melloy B. J.
Published: January 2012

Product inspection is an important step in ensuring product quality with one of its most important tasks being visual inspection. If an inspection is to be successful, it is critical that the various functions constituting an inspection task be performed optimally. An inspection task typically consists of the following functions: orientation, search, decision-making, and recording. Orientation and recording, essentially manual activities, are best automated. The search and decision-making functions, however, are essentially cognitive activities and have been shown to be the most important determinants of inspection performance that system designers need guidance in allocating. With the customer demand for zero defects in products, 100% inspection using automated systems has seen more frequent application than traditional sampling inspection using human inspectors. Despite the advantages of automation, these inspection systems often fail to meet expectations primarily because they ignore humans' ability in pattern recognition, as rational decision-makers and their flexibility to adapt to new situations. Thus, designers of systems which include an inspection component need guidance on human/machine function allocation to ensure that the inspection is performed at the very least adequately and, preferably, effectively and efficiently. In response to this need, this paper describes a system that will facilitate the conducting of controlled studies to address issues related to human machine system design and function allocation in visual inspection. The system simulates the search and decision making functions of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) inspection task. The system can operate in three separate modes: (1) human inspection mode – where all the functions are performed by the human, (2) automated inspection mode - where all the functions are performed by the computer and the role of the human is that of a supervisor, and (3) hybrid inspection mode – where inspection functions can be allocated to the human, the machine or both.
Can TQM be Quantified?
Authors: Saleem Jason J. , Kleiner Brian M.
Published: January 2012

Total quality management is a team-based approach to the improvement of processes for the continual satisfaction of customers. Thus, three core values are common to TQM efforts: continuous improvement, customer satisfaction and teamwork. There have been some broad attempts to quantify the effects of continuous improvement, customer satisfaction and teamwork. However, we have argued previously that many TQM efforts start too late and end too soon. Starting late means that TQM is often not given strategic thought, for example in deciding strategically, which processes to improve. TQM often ends too soon in the sense that it stops at the process level and does not proceed to the human-machine interface (i.e., ergonomic) level. It is argued that participatory ergonomics, a staple method in macroergonomics, can benefit TQM efforts by bringing such efforts “down to” the ergonomic level. This paper presents our recent attempts to quantify the effects of participation.
Old Paradigms for New Jobs in Call Centers
Authors: Mascia F. L. , Marx R. , Arbix G.
Published: January 2012

Organizational structure, working process and task's conception based on tayloristic paradigms became common in call centers in Brazil. Considering work as a simple repetition of procedures have consequences in terms of productivity, quality and worker's health. Actually the task is complex and cannot be strictly formalized.
Home of the Future and ICT - Integration of Professional and Private Roles
Authors: Bradley L. , Bradley G.
Published: January 2012

The overall purpose of the research project concerns changes in future living and working conditions with emphasis on the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The objective of the reported pilot study has been to explore the US future trends of living and working from and at home at the increased use of ICT related services and products. “Homing from Work” and “Working from Home” are both key issues. The method has been explorative, using expert interviews with leading research institutes, universities, and high tech companies. A model has been developed for the analyses of the “Home of the Future” and factors effecting “What is a future Home?”. From the model problems are derived e g: What human needs and behavior are related to the home and home environment? What new behaviors evolve on the border between technology and human needs? What are the main social trends? What are the main hypotheses that could be phrased from an international comparative perspective?
Networks, ICT Level and Social Consequences - An Integrated Model for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises
Authors: Vinberg Stig , Gelin Gunnar , Sandberg Karl W
Published: January 2012

This paper focus on conditions and relationships between factors in small and medium sized enterprises related to organizational change and information technology level using an integrated and empirically founded model. Data comes from a study of small and medium sized enterprises in the northern part of Sweden. The design combines a quasi-experimental approach with ideas on concept-driven development and network building research. Concepts and data analysis are multi-level - an individual level with leaders and co-workers in the enterprises as units, and an organizational level, with the enterprises as units. Empirical results of network activities, ICT-level, change competencies, ergonomic and psychosocial tension are presented and related to other relevant research.
Transfer of Ergonomics Know-How: An International Perspective
Authors: Salvendy Gavriel
Published: January 2012

A framework for studying and transferring ergonomics knowledge across national and cultural lines is proposed. A model for cluster in ergonomics into specialized disciplinary areas and a way to document the science base of each is presented.
Educational Quality - A Macroergonomics Approach
Authors: Newman Leah C.
Published: January 2012

The institution of education has been one of many institutions that has been negligent in the nurturing and development of underrepresented groups in society. This institution has all but failed this significant segment of the population and, as a result, has failed society as a whole. Providing access to equal educational opportunities is vital to the survival of our communities, and society as a whole. Statistics suggest that by the millennium, underrepresented populations will encompass a large portion of the population. If our society is to remain competitive, not only will it be necessary to better develop the concept of equal educational opportunity but it will also be imperative to put these ideas into practice. The global village in which we find ourselves makes it essential that we focus on areas such as creating a diverse pipeline for future engineers and scientists. If we are to meet the demands of the 21st century, it is necessary that we focus on the academic environment and the education of our young people. A qualitative research approach was used to help extract information regarding student success and/or failure in the College of Engineering at a large Midwestern university. This research integrates principles of Total Quality Management (TQM) and systems design in an effort to identify those factors that hinder or enhance the educational performance and success of underrepresented student populations pursuing higher education in engineering and science.
Natural System Metaphors for Supporting Collaboration in Air Force Applications
Authors: Deckard Margo , Narayanan S. , Cox Michael T.
Published: January 2012

Mixed-initiative settings involve situations where humans and computers are tasked together to accomplish a set of goals. For these goals to be successfully executed, humans and software agents must work together. This paper examines natural systems such as the brain, the immune system, population ecology, and economics for potential metaphors of facilitating collaboration. Each of these natural systems has salient common characteristics including the ability to represent collaboration as well as competition in distributed networks. This article provides an overview of an ongoing research effort that attempts to unlock these metaphors towards building computational models for planning problems in Air Force applications.
Ergonomic Work Analysis, Training and Action: New Paths Opened by the Interconnection of Approaches
Authors: Lacomblez Marianne , Montreuil Sylvie , Teiger Catherine
Published: January 2012

The work presented since 1991 (Paris) at the Symposiums of the IEA Congresses specialized in the theme “ Ergonomic work analysis and training” has demonstrated the main development lines of the place of training in and by work analysis in the practices and theoretical problematics of ergonomists and other work professionals. There is a progressive integration of concepts, objectives and intervention fields (training of work actors, professional training) which were distinguished in the past. New paths are opening up. In a participatory approach, these new paths are being used to organize training and action in work environments as well as individual and collective development. In particular, interdisciplinarity is helping this development while enabling ergonomists to obtain a clearer identification of their originality. The risks of the failure of an action and the conditions for its success are also being more clearly defined.
The Effects of Work Process Modelling in an Essential Organizational and Technological Change
Authors: Leppänen Anneli
Published: January 2012

Work process and the conceptual mastery of it can be improved in a development program based on systematic analysis and modelling of the work process. In this study the results of the development program based on modelling of the work process were studied on a paper machine, which had given a considerable proportion of it's staff to the new paper machine installed in the mill. As a result productivity of the old production line decreased. A development program to develop the work process itself and the staffs conceptual mastery of it was organized to recover from the situation. The workers, foremen, production engineers and experts of different areas of paper production participated in the modelling of the process. During the modelling process the staff made 101 proposals to develop the work process of the old paper machine. Development of conceptual mastery of work, work characteristics and well being of the personnel were also studied during the change process. The study followed up the groups staying on the old production line (n=23) and leaving for the new one (n=18). The two basic groups were also compared with the new groups coming from outside (n=37 for the old production line, 60 for the new one). The careers of the workers, work, and job satisfaction improved during the change process in both groups followed up. And although those who stayed on the old production line were older and less educated than the other groups, there were no differences between the groups in the conceptual mastery of work or in the assessments of work, job satisfaction or other indicators of subjective well-being
Symposium the Process of Ergonomic Training and Its Impact: From the Analysis to the Transformation of Work Situations
Authors: Sznelwar Laerte I.
Published: January 2012

Tuominen, E., Klemola, S., Leppänen, A. “Foremen and Experts as Trainers in a Modeling Process”. St-Vincent, M., Laberge, M., Lortie, M. “Analysis of Difficulties Encountered by Participants in a Participatory Ergonomics Initiative”. Allard, D., Biellemare, M., Montreuil, S., Marier, M., Prévost, J. “Assessing the Implementation of a Participatory Ergonomics Program”. Robertson, M. M. “Using Participatory Ergonomics to Design and Implement Training Programs”.
Implementation Evaluation of a Participatory Ergonomics Program
Authors: Allard Denis , Bellemare Marie , Montreuil Sylvie , Marier Micheline , Prévost Johanne
Published: January 2012

This paper presents the results of an implementation evaluation for a participatory ergonomics project, in two plants run by a company involved in primary aluminium processing. The logbooks kept by the ergonomists, together with observations of project meetings and post-intervention interviews with Ergo group members, were the basic materials used in analyzing the implementation. The analysis includes a comparison between the projected and actual outcomes of the project, examines the contextual factors that explain the gaps observed, and questions the principles underlying the intervention. The results point to the need for ergonomists to have a dynamic vision of implementation evaluations, which will allow them to adjust and refine their intervention theory.
Work Analysis and Work Changes through Onsite Ergonomics Training for Small Groups
Authors: Paraguay Ana Isabel B. B.
Published: January 2012

This paper deals with two case studies of onsite training on Ergonomics for small groups of non-OSH professionals from two state-owned companies from São Paulo State, Brazil. Both (1997 and 1998) training programs aimed at enabling small group of employees to function as an intern Ergonomics Committee. Their main and first task was to identify, evaluate, control and prevent risk factors and WRMD - Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, with or without the support of external consultant/ergonomists. This paper identifies and discusses main difficulties arising from such training programs and implementing work transformations. Some of the main difficulties may arise from the scheduling of short-term courses (36 to 48h of classes) for non-OSH professionals that are not used to group work, learning on matter as WRMD. Difficulties also originate from the nature of the task: (try) to enable mostly non-ergonomists/non OSH professionals to develop group-guided actions on matter that sometimes require immediate action, specialized knowledge and long-term experience in the field of Ergonomics and diagnosis of a company's demand. Last but not the least, the paper also points out key factors to work transformations: the placing of training programs within a company's OSH policy and context; group formation criteria for such training programs; course schedule, content, planning and evaluation; the need for full discussion of the short-term and the long-term results of the training program as well as of the follow-up of any work transformations.
Work Design in the 21st Century - Panel Summary
Authors: Smith Thomas J.
Published: January 2012

This summary outlines major themes introduced during a multiple-session symposium series devoted to the topic of work design in the 21st century. The 6 sessions in the series address the future of work design in relation to: (1) macroergonomic analysis of work systems design; (2) production systems design and automation of work; (3) human factors research needs in internet design; (4) design of education and training; (5) work design and community design; and (6) work in extreme environments. Session chairs participated in a 7th panel session to offer perspectives on the future of work design in relation to session topics. These perspectives are summarized here. The panel co-chair, Michael Wade, also provides a perspective on future trends in the integration of work and recreation. Collectively, the session and panel participants provide a rich body of judgment and opinion regarding the trajectory and evolution of work design in the coming decades, as well as likely reciprocal interactions between changes in work design and transformations in performance of human sociotechnical, organizational and socioeconomic systems.
Application of Community Ergonomics Theory to International Corporations
Authors: Derjani-Bayeh Antoinette , Smith Michael J.
Published: January 2012

This paper reviews the application of Community Ergonomics (CE) theory to the development of principles of operation for corporations with international divisions. These principles derive from macroergonomic and behavioral cybernetic theories.
Flight Psychophysiology
Authors: Wilson Glenn F. , Chair Panel
Published: January 2012

Psychophysiological measures are gaining popularity in aviation settings. They have been used in a wide range of aviation environments to investigate diverse topics including mental workload, fatigue, drug effects and operator status. These measures are attractive because they are continuously available and their collection does not interfere with the operator's task. In addition to research use they have also been applied to the certification of commercial aircraft and in the test and evaluation of military aircraft. The goal of this panel is to present state-of-the-art research data from flight and simulator environments. These papers present work performed in three countries and include data from fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Both central and peripheral nervous system measures are represented. A second unifying theme is the investigation of mental workload effects of flight.