bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VTS Operator Performance and Acceptance of a Short-Term Path Prediction Display in a Low Density Traffic Area
Authors: Wiersma Erik , Jarvis Dominic , Granholm Goran
Published: January 2012

Vessel traffic management and control systems are employed to ensure the safety and efficiency of maritime traffic. In search for optimal support of Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) operators in performing their task, tools are developed continuously. This paper describes how the real users of the systems (VTS operators and managers) were involved in the design and testing of new tools. This was achieved by creating a user forum for discussing the results of the research. At the same time a performance based method for measuring situation awareness of VTS operators (SA Test) was developed tested and implemented.

As an example of the procedure used, one such tool is presented. The tool tested in this experiment is a path prediction tool for VTS use in a non-dense traffic area - (the Finnish archipelago). The tool predicts the future path position of vessels one-minute ahead. To see whether this tool could have implications for grounding avoidance monitoring by VTS, it was presented to the user forum and tested using SA Test. This paper presents the results of the tests.
A Study on Basic Metaphors in Human-Computer Interaction
Authors: Wang Eric Min-yang , Huang Alan Yu-hsing
Published: January 2012

The use of metaphors in the design of human-computer interaction (HCI) has been increasing as the graphic user interfaces (GUIs) have become popular in recent years. The main advantage of using metaphors in HCI design is to utilize and extend the concepts that already exist in computer users' long-term memory, to analog represent the functions and operations of the computer systems and reduce the users' mental workload. Therefore, the efficiency of an HCI and the usability of a computer system may largely determined by the appropriateness of the metaphors used. This study collected and analyzed a number of existing HCI metaphors and developed guidelines for determining basic metaphors that should be used in the design of HCI to maximize the intelligibility and minimize the intended users' mental workload. As a conclusion, basic metaphors should have four important properties: (1) The source of basic metaphors must be from the intended users' knowledge domain. (2) The intelligibility of visual metaphors determines the correctness of the user's responses. (3) The operational features of metaphorical components should be the same as those of metaphor sources. (4) The metaphors used in a specific human-computer interface should be of the same conceptual domain.
Situation Awareness Problems in General Aviation
Authors: Shook Richard W. C. , Bandiero Marco , Coello John P. , Garland Daniel J. , Endsley Mica R.
Published: January 2012

Situation awareness (SA) is widely recognized as critical to success in the aviation environment. Most research to date has focused on SA in highly experienced military or commercial airline pilots. Yet, general aviation (GA) pilots, usually far less experienced and trained, fall prey to the vast majority of aviation accidents. Fifty-eight experienced flight instructors completed a survey on SA problems in GA operations. It found a wide range of SA problems across GA pilots at various levels of experience and in all phases of flight, although some factors appear to become less problematic with experience. Areas where problems are the most acute are identified and recommendations are made for improving SA in GA pilots.
Standardization of Interface Design for Medical Devices: International Electrotechnical Commission and International Organization for Standardization Medical Alarm Systems
Authors: Hedley-Whyte John
Published: January 2012

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard 9703-1 addresses only visual aspects of alarms and defines alarm categories and visual indicators and degrees of urgency. The approach taken is to limit the proliferation of different alarms in order to avoid confusion and minimize the distraction of hospital staff not directly responsible for devices that are in the alarmed condition. ISO 9703-2 addresses auditory alarms. The purpose is to specify the auditory component of alarm signals to be used to draw attention to the fact that the medical device has detected a disturbance and to indicate the degree of urgency. Some of the criteria considered during development of the sounds include optimal signal recognition in a relatively noisy environment, maximum transmission of information at the lowest practicable sound pressure level, ease of learning and retention by operators who have to respond to the various signals, and perceived urgency of the sounds. ISO 9703-3 deals with the allocation of alarm principles. To allocate a priority to a particular alarm it is necessary to evaluate the risk to the patient of the event that the alarm indicates. A Joint Working Group of ISO and IEC is considering the application of similar principles to all medical devices with a view to consideration in the upcoming third edition of IEC 60601-1, Medical Electrical Equipment — Part 1 - General Requirements for safety.
Human-Centered Computing for NASA Aeronautics and Space Programs
Authors: Gross Anthony R. , Gross Madeleine M.
Published: January 2012

NASA is embarking on many aerospace programs that promise to provide greatly enhanced system capability and performance, along with reduced development and operational costs. A principal approach to accomplishing these objectives, human-centered computing, will involve powerful information technologies including human performance modeling capabilities. The new NASA human-centered computing initiative takes a systems perspective, and seeks to leverage and support human intelligence and flexibility with the power and capabilities of increasingly sophisticated machine systems. This perspective promises a changing human-automation systems balance of work and new task allocation strategies. This presentation provides a discussion of the role of human-centered computing in several key advanced NASA aeronautics and space programs, such as the Advanced Air Traffic Technology (AATT) Program, the Intelligent Synthesis Environment, the X-33 Technology Demonstrator Program, and the Mars Pathfinder mission. The new Intelligent Systems (IS) Research Program that supports this approach will also be described.
Analysis of Tactical Missions: Integrating Systems Theory, Cognitive Systems Engineering and Psychophysiology
Authors: Worm Arne
Published: January 2012

Based on research in the emergency management and military domains this paper reports on research and development of theories, methods and tools for modeling, analysis and accident prevention in precarious lime-critical air traffic control, process control, emergency response and military operations. We describe case studies, field studies, and experiments using a combined systems theory, Cognitive Systems Engineering and psychophysiology framework. We performed identification, modeling, and synthesis of Joint Tactical Cognitive Systems, and their inherent command, control, and intelligence activities. The dynamics of tactical missions are of a specific nature, and determined and forward exploitation and control of these real-time, safety-critical operational dynamics are vital for success in a wartime or disaster scenario. We found significant relations between workload, time pressure, catecholamine levels in saliva samples, and cognitive complexity.
Pull Us Together or Push Us Apart?: Social and Cultural Implications of the Internet
Authors: Maries Monica A.
Published: January 2012

This panel will explore whether global Internet access pulls people together or pushes them apart. Humans are social creatures, they like to see and be seen. A major factor in Internet adoption has been the opportunity to communicate with others. Email keeps people coming back to the Internet day after day. More recently, Chat has become the communications application of choice, especially for teens. Bulletin boards and Listservs are other communication venues for finding out about others, and telling them about yourself.

Initially, pundits predicted the Internet would be used to communicate with people geographically distant from the user. Actual usage, however, indicated that you are just as likely to mail your partner or classmate as someone far away. In households with multiple computers, you might even chat or email with someone in the other room. Certainly, communities of interest formed around hobbies, games or ideas have spawned many a deep friendship. Romance also blossoms bringing people together whom otherwise would never have met. In all of this, however, is the Internet helping people truly widen their circle of understanding, or are we merely seeking out others like ourselves. Are we really expanding our horizons or merely justifying our personal convictions by finding others who think like us.

As the Internet continues to grow, as access becomes more widespread, as connections become faster, a question remains: will all this connectivity drive us together, or pull us apart?
Hypermedia Human-Computer Interaction and Cognitive Psychology
Authors: Matias Márcio , Heemann Vivian , dos Santos Neri
Published: January 2012

Hypermedia is compelling designers to deal with the problem of designing and managing large, diverse and complex collections of hypermedia objects. So, hypermedia design needs contributions from several disciplines, including: cognitive psychology, design, computer science and human factors, This paper addresses a connection between cognitive psychology and hypermedia; and presents a compilation of general guidelines about hypermedia design.
An Ergonomic Evaluation for Designing an Efficient User-Oriented Audio/Video Telecommunications System
Authors: Park Min-Yong , Park Hee-Sok
Published: January 2012

The objective of this research was to establish and quantify the relationship between the physical degradation factors of multimedia telecommunications (teleconferencing) system and subjective human perception. A field survey of real users was first carried out to determine customers' major complaints and corresponding system degradation factors. A prototype teleconferencing simulator was then developed in two separate sound-treated chambers equipped with audio/video equipment running under a custom-developed software program. The experiments using the semantic differential methodology were performed utilizing 26 paid participants (14 college students and 12 housewives). The results indicated that audio/video synchronization and the frame rate were the main system factors for both subject groups, but different pattern of factors' influence was found according to the group, implying that the system configuration would hopefully accommodate the characteristics of the end users. Also, a single quality index, reflecting several human perception highly correlated with user satisfaction, was developed to evaluate telecommunication systems as a guideline for system preference. The results provide some fundamental data on the human subjective perception of multimedia telecommunications quality, and further can help establish the quality standards to enhance service level.
Human Factors of the Web Design Process
Authors: Bishu Ram R
Published: January 2012

In a recent keynote address on future of ergonomics, Wilson stated that ergonomists, instead of focussing on the traditional man, machine and environment component, should refocus on the interaction among these components. (Wilson, 1999). Nowhere is this truer than in the process of web design. Simply stated a web page is really a page, off the information highway, that has the information the User needs. The beauty of the Web is that, that information could be of any imaginable kind. In the last few years, the number of businesses establishing a presence on the World Wide Web (WWW, the web) has grown exponentially. It is just a matter of time before the web becomes a primary source of information for a large part of the world for all needs. Procedurally the steps in design include cognitive design, visual design, technical design, technical development and testing. Typically cross-functional teams are set up to perform the design process. Information ergonomics and interaction ergonomics are the main issues in the iterative design process. The importance of cognitive ergonomist who plays a pivotal role in the design process is discussed.
Searching within Websites: A Comparison of Three Types of Sitemap Menu Structures
Authors: Bernard Michael L. , Chaparro Barbara S.
Published: January 2012

This study compared search performance and satisfaction with three types of sitemap menu structures. In one type (Index), the hyperlinks were organized alphabetically. Another type (Full) organized hyperlinks according to a specific category. The third type (Restricted) initially presented only category topics, and displayed the respective hyperlinks after the user clicked on that particular category. Results indicate that although users did not perform significantly better with any of the sitemaps, they were significantly more satisfied and found the searches to be easier with the Full and Restricted sitemaps than with the Index sitemap. In the ranking of the three sitemaps, the Full sitemap was most preferred,
Developments in Web Research and Practice
Authors: Henry Shawn Lawton , Chisholm Wendy A.
Published: January 2012

This session presents recent work that is likely to impact web design and usage in the near future. The presentations cover a range of topics, including: a remote testing methodology for websites that pulls from usability testing and traffic analysis; lessons learned from usability testing an electronic bill presentation and payment (EBPP) system; coverage of stakeholder objectives in multimedia and how they can be in conflict; a web browser that integrates visual, speech, and non-speech sound output to provide web access for people who are visually impaired; and a study that analyzes shape as a user's representation of an information space which embraces both the spatial components of navigation and the semantic components of comprehension.
Ergonomics@Ford.Com: Using the Intranet to Enhance Program Effectiveness
Authors: Evans Susan M. , Kilduff Helen R. , Joseph Bradley S. , Turner Elizabeth H.
Published: January 2012

Ford Motor Company's Automated Evidence Book, known as ErgoRx, is a Web-browser-based application that permits plant-level Local Ergonomics Committees (LECs) to manage the process for identifying, tracking, resolving and sharing ergonomic concerns with reduced administrative burden. The Intranet application also allows Corporate and Division ergonomics personnel to view LEC concern data remotely and obtain measures of program effectiveness directly.
Awareness of Ergonomics in User Interface Design of Instructional Web Sites
Authors: Gundogan Mirac Banu
Published: January 2012

Computer Technology together with a web-based life is no longer a preference. The Internet provides a wide variety of resources, among which, web sites designed for instruction require special attention on the basis of ergonomics and user interface design. This study is concerned with the interface design of instructional sites for children aged 8–12. When designing for children, basic design principles may not be satisfactory to achieve a pleasant solution. A technically proficient end product that efficiently operates bright colours, larger fonts, animations and sound may not be instructive at all unless it takes the learning process into consideration. Current research indicates successful learning experiences must personally engage each student with active rather than passive participation. Even if the World Wide Web (WWW) is defined as boundless and immeasurable, still the instructional materials on the web need to be agreeable with the real world educational criteria. Awareness of ergonomics appears to be necessary not only for the design team who is to form the end product but also for the end users- children, parents and teachers in this case.
Methodological Differences Using a Computer Manikin in Two Case Studies: Bus and Space Module Design
Authors: Sundin Anders , Christmansson Marita , Örtengren Roland
Published: January 2012

The computer manikin software Jack™ was used in two different case studies analyzing ergonomics. A comparison was made on how Jack was used in the two case studies. In the first, Jack was used in the design phase of a new Volvo bus model. A group was formed to work with a special part of the bus chassis design, namely cables and tubes. The group aimed to create an ergonomically correct and efficient assembly production. The group consisted of designers, production engineers and researchers. Jack was used late in this process for analysis of assembly work situations resulting from the design. In the second case study, an analysis was carried out in the preliminary design phase of the Cupola, a European Space Agency (ESA) module for manned space flights for the International Space Station (ISS). In this study, Jack was used early in the design process before any flight hardware production. When comparing the two studies, differences were found regarding the approach of the mimics of zero-gravity activities relative shop floor assembly work, and also of the modeling of Jack body postures. Animations were found more useful in the zero-gravity environment. Beside the treatment of co-ordinate systems, the process of file transfer was almost identical. In both case studies benefits of the use of Jack analysis, and resulting design impact according to this, seem to be equal despite when the analysis were carried out in the design process.
Discriminability of Prediction Artifacts in a Time-Delayed Virtual Environment
Authors: Jung Jae Y. , Adelstein Bernard D. , Ellis Stephen R.
Published: January 2012

Overall latency remains an impediment to perceived image stability and consequently to human performance in virtual environment (VE) systems. Predictive compensators have been proposed as a means to mitigate these shortcomings, but they introduce rendering errors because of induced motion overshoot and heightened noise. Discriminability of these compensator artifacts was investigated by a protocol in which head tracked image stability for 35 ms baseline VE system latency was compared against artificially added (16.7 to 100 ms) latency compensated by a previously studied Kalman Filter (KF) predictor. A control study in which uncompensated 16.7 to 100 ms latencies were compared against the baseline was also performed. Results from 10 subjects in the main study and 8 in the control group indicate that predictive compensation artifacts are less discernible than the disruptions of uncompensated time delay for the shorter but not the longer added latencies. We propose that noise magnification and overshoot are contributory cues to the presence of predictive compensation.
Cognitive Ergonomics – Past, Present, Future: 10 Lessons Learned (10 Lessons Remaining)
Authors: Long John
Published: January 2012

This paper reviews the past present and future of Cognitive Ergonomics, as a discipline. The past, and in particular its shortcomings, is characterised in terms of an earlier description offered by Long (1987). The present is characterised in terms of the lessons assumed to have been learned by Cognitive Ergonomics, since that publication. The future is characterised in terms of lessons, which still remain to be learned. Last, the paper raises some general issues concerning Cognitive Ergonomics.
An Outsider's View of Cognitive Ergonomics
Authors: Meister David
Published: January 2012

The following is an outsider's view of cognitive ergonomics (what it is, what it attempts to do, etc.), based on a review of its recent literature.
Mental Representations as Mirror of Function Allocation and Control Strategies in a Simulated Chemical Plant
Authors: Ryser Cornelia , Grote Gudela
Published: January 2012

In order to fulfill supervisory control tasks in automated systems, a human operator needs to have an adequate mental representation of the process and the technical system. The development of such representations depends on both the technically provided control opportunities, as determined by the allocation of functions between the technical system and the human operator, and the use the human operator makes of such opportunities as expressed in the chosen control strategies in process monitoring, failure diagnosis and process intervention. At the same time, operators' mental representations of a system influence the choice of control strategies.

A study will be presented that aims at describing this relationship between function allocation, control strategies and mental representations in a quasi-experimental setting. Apprentices of a Swiss chemical company operated a simulated plant with varying degrees of automation and with process disturbances of varying severity. Observations and interviews were used to obtain data on control strategies, while the apprentices' mental representations of the process and the technical system were inferred from written process protocols and structural diagrams drawn after the experiment.
Computer Mouse Work - Differences between Work Methods and Gender
Authors: Wahlström Jens , Svensson Joakim , Johnson Peter W. , Hagberg Mats
Published: January 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate whether different work methods with computer mouse had an effect on musculoskeletal load and to study whether there were any gender differences in performance and/or musculoskeletal load. Thirty experienced computer mouse users (15 men and 15 women) performed a text-editing task using two different work methods to operate the mouse. Women worked with higher muscular activity in the forearm, applied higher relative forces to the sides and button of the mouse and worked with more extreme postures in the wrist than men. Differences were also found between the two different work methods used to operate the mouse.
Research Activities on the Ergonomics of Computers in Schools in Japan
Authors: Saito Susumu , Sotoyama Midori , Jonai Hiroshi , Akutsu Masahiro , Yatani Madoka , Marumoto Tatsuya
Published: January 2012

Recently, Japanese government took positive steps financially to introduce computers into schools and to promote the use of the internet in school environments. A proactive approach must be taken to eliminate the foreseeable ergonomic problems from the use of these new technologies. The Japan Ergonomics Society (JES) has had discussions on the topics concerned. The postural and visual characteristics of young students, ergonomic improvements of workstations for the school children, operating conditions of PCs in junior-high schools, questionnaire surveys on the ergonomic aspects of computers in schools were discussed in the JES symposium held in 1999. In conclusion, the introduction of computers in schools should be given more careful consideration and the development of ergonomic guidelines for the use of computers in schools should address the prevailing social needs.
New Types of Intelligent Agent Applications
Authors: Young Michael J.
Published: January 2012

The effective advocacy of human performance modeling research requires scientists to look for opportunities to apply their embryonic technologies in novel areas. We describe three instances where human performance modeling technology is being used to solve problems of high interest to the Air Force.
Ergonomics Analysis in the University Hospital/UFSC/Brasil
Authors: de Melo Alessandra Fernandes , Gontijo Leila Amaral , Pavan Andre Luis , Lautenschlager Bianca
Published: January 2012

As the time passes, the habits and the people's demands move. More and more, the people are complaining for better work conditions and life. (Dull and Weerdmeester, 1995).

For that, its work conditions more and more need adaptations, seeking the health, the safety, the comfort, among other, that are the practical objectives of the ergonomics'.

With the diffusion of the use of computers, the work positions with terminals of computers are turned frequent in industries and offices demanding like this a larger attention to the new works that it creates. (Iida, 1992).

With this frequent use of the computer, it is demanded that the body adopts a static posture during the work day, with the fixed attention in the screen and the hands on the keyboard. Thus, the work in computer terminals can provoke consequences for the worker's health from the visual fatigue, muscular pains in the neck and shoulders, and pains in the tendons of the fingers, due to the ergonomic inadequacy and the demands of the task (Iida, 1992).

Therefore, this article says respect to an ergonomic analysis in a work position, accomplished as requirement of the discipline of Ergonomic Engineering of the Work having been chosen the Section of General Registration (SRG) of the University Hospital (HU). It can intend the elaboration of a notebook of responsibilities of ergonomic recommendations that it will allow to establish the several specifications about the future situation, that says respect to the environmental factors and organization.
Teaching Ergonomics Using a Systemic and Systematic Approach in an Interdisciplinary Design Environment
Authors: de Moraes Anamaria
Published: January 2012

The aim of this paper is to present how to teach an “ergonomizing” action based on a systemic and systematic approach. The following program has been used, since 1981, in ergonomics courses for industrial designers, safety engineers, work medicine, work nursing. All students have to chose an industry or part of a manufacturing plant, an office or human-task-system involving clerical work, a computerised information system, or a traditional information system to implement an “ergonomizing” action
Evaluation of Computer Assisted Instruction in the Secondary Education Environment
Authors: Pazos Daniel , Resnick Marc L.
Published: January 2012

While computers are often seen as a panacea for many of the limitations of secondary education, research has shown that poor implementation of computer-assisted instruction can decrease student learning. School systems that implement computer technology into their teaching processes need to consider issues such as the nature of the academic content, the sequencing of its presentation, the technological experience of the students, the usability of the computer software and hardware, and the type of feedback provided to students. Software applications must be selected judiciously for best results. This research has two components. In the first study, a broad-based, naturalistic implementation of computer assisted instruction in a high school was investigated. The study covered several course subjects, academic tracks, and student grade levels. Student performance was compared using final course grades for each student. The results showed differential affects of computer-assisted instruction depending on student grade level and track. The second component was a strictly controlled study of eleventh grade students' performance on weekly English vocabulary tests. In this controlled study, students' grades were significantly improved by the computer-assistance software. These studies support the hypothesis that computer-assisted instruction can be used to improve student learning, but suggest that implementation must follow specific guidelines.
An Evaluation of the Swedish Master'S Programme in Ergonomics
Authors: Bonnevier Sara Saellström
Published: January 2012

The Swedish Master's Programme were evaluated. The aim of the evaluation was to find out whether the program itself was adapted to the needs, abilities and limitations of the students. Also, to find out how an ideal conference system should be designed. The results showed that the program was well adapted for one third of the students, and that the remaining students primarily wished to change the communication process through the conference system. Suggestions concerning how an ideal conference system should be designed was also given.
Organisational Design in Small Companies – A Study of “Diffuse” Work Organisations
Authors: Abrahamsson Lena
Published: January 2012

This paper describes a conceptual framework for a study of work organisational structures in small companies. The goal is to gain a greater understanding of both strategic and unconscious organisational design processes in small companies. The starting-point of the analysis is the diffuse and informal “family” type of work organisation and the step to a more strategic and formal work organisation. In the paper gender theory is used when discussing internal organisational obstacles for growth and organisational forming processes. Gender plays perhaps a more important role in small companies than in large companies. Therefore the small company may have a development quite contradictory to its own sound origins. During the growing process there is a risk that the small company develops a rigid and inflexible organisation based on old gender pattern.
Mental Stress Assessment Tool Box
Authors: Hackl-Gruber Walter , Haiden Christine G. , Wittmann Andreas
Published: January 2012

A Mental Stress Assessment Tool Box was developed in order to reduce mental stress and assist in improving an employee's work environment, particularly the organizational structure. The Box consists of tools which support occupational health and safety experts with analyzing mental stress loads in organizations and implementing changes for reducing mental stress. The assessment consists of three steps: Description of Organization, Rough Analysis, Detailed Analysis. The detailed analyses is in the form of a workshop. This approach enables the employees to learn about their stress and allow them to participate in the change process.
Worker Involvement in a Quality Management Program and Perceived Impact on Job Characteristics: Results from a Study in the Public Sector
Authors: James Craig A. , Taveira Alvaro D. , Lund John , Sainfort Francois
Published: January 2012

Although Quality Management (QM) programs are theoretically related to positive employee outcomes such as job satisfaction and organizational commitment, there is little empirical evidence to support this relationship. It was predicted that employees who were involved in QM programs, through either quality improvement projects or formal training, would perceive QM as having a positive effect on their jobs. The hypotheses were only partially supported. Training was significantly related to one out of five outcome measures, while project involvement was significantly related to two out of the five measures, with one effect approaching significance. The results are discussed in the context of the lack of formal activity within the organization in recent years. The implications for future studies of programs such as QM are also discussed.
Industry Experience with Behavior-Based Safety Programs: A Survey
Authors: Deeb Joseph M. , Danz-Reece Mary E. , Smolar Tamara J.
Published: January 2012

Over the last decade, a growing amount of attention and popularity in the industry has been focussing on implementing Behavior-Based Safety Programs (BBSP). With that popularity has come impressive changes in how people work, incident rates, and costs. The goal of this survey was to compile and summarize existing site reviews, critiques, and experiences with BBSP and identify key elements that are recommended to achieve a successful program. The results, in general, showed that BBSP appear to be associated with impressive changes varying from improved Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) to a significant decrease in the frequency of at-risk behavior. Specific guidelines and lessons learned from this survey are discussed.
Groupware, Learning and Viability of a Process of Change in the Information Society
Authors: da Silva Luiz Bueno , Gontijo Leila , Fialho Francisco Antonio Pereira , da Lima Márcio Botelho Fonseca
Published: January 2012

To establish conjectures on groupware, learning and viability of a process of change in the information society, this paper is divided in three parts. Firstly, it states consecrated authors' recent contributions in Strategy and Innovation Economics. In the second part the probable characteristics of the structures evolution of companies that will act in the environment of the information society are presented. Finally, under a critical-comparative approach, the consistency of theoretical statements exhibited in this paper are evaluated. Two development models are brief presented. The Eastern model presents common properties to the institutional characteristics that support the learning in regions of the Southeastern Asia and of Japan. The western model encompasses similarities with the institutional characteristics that emerge in Occidental Europe and in the United States. In conclusion, it can be said that the western model seems to operate reasonably in economies strongly developed in great scale, such as the one from United States, while in emergent economies, as the one from Brazil, its effectiveness becomes incipient.
Enhanced Production Processes Through Network Groups
Authors: Blomé Mikael , Odenrick Per
Published: January 2012

Increased focus on core activities in manufacturing companies makes cross-organizational collaboration necessary to develop and produce complex products or systems. To enhance the production process efficiency of a network, companies have to go beyond formal routines and learn about each other's, and thus their common, production process. The interaction between members of an organization and outside scientists encourages the members to reflect on their work. To improve a business there is a need of diversity, but also a need for understanding different viewpoints. Thus, it is necessary to create constructive conflicts among a variety of viewpoints.
Transfer of Production Planning and Scheduling from Staff to Production Personnel in a Complex Maintenance Company
Authors: Berglund Martina
Published: January 2012

In decentralized production organizations based on target-oriented production teams, production scheduling is often transferred from staff to the production teams, which may influence how the work tasks are carried out. The objectives of this case study was to gain understanding of why and how the production scheduling process was changed in a company that introduced production teams with increased responsibility for scheduling. A second objective was to analyze the demands that were made on the production scheduling system from the production teams to be able to fulfill their work requirements. Conclusions drawn were that a change in production scheduling was necessary if the production teams were to fulfill the demands put on them and that production through the decentralization was empowered to demand such change. The change of production scheduling included development of manual scheduling sheets, which proved to be successful in terms of meeting the production teams' needs for reliable production data and visualized production status.
The Organizational Efficiency through Automation: An Ergonomics Issue
Authors: Moiseichyk Ana Elizabeth , Fialho Francisco Antonio Pereira
Published: January 2012

Surviving and growing in a world characterized by competitiviness in a global scale and by continued and unexpected changes, has been a paradigm for the organizations. With the globalization process, which is a reality, the technological evolution and the complexity of the modern world, new needs have appeared in the working position realm, The concrete fact is that transformations alter the work-man, man-machine, man-productive system relations besides the kinds of workers. The man-machine relation is really important in the organizational environment because the technological advances may motivate the worker as well as scare and unqualify him. So, no ergonomics analysis through working signs may be an excellent tool to help in the adaptation of the worker to the working position and also detect and settle the points which must be emphasized and modified to obtain the organizational efficiency.
Ergonomics in Total Quality Management
Authors: J. Lewandowski
Published: January 2012

The paper gives fundamental principles of new approach to ergonomic aspects in the Total Quality Management of enterprises. This approach concerns total look at ergonomic problems of enterprises. These problems regard following issues: human-being – machine – environment system, the role of ergonomics in the quality assurance system, ergonomic aspects of product, ergonomic aspects of human-being, workstation, environment, organization of work, the influence of occupational safety on quality. These problems have been presented in the paper. The role of each of them in the assurance of “Quality of Life” has been discussed.
Transitioning SA Theory and Research into Practical Training Guidance: A Case Study
Authors: Fowlkes Jennifer E. , Merket Danielle C. , Oser Randall L.
Published: January 2012

The present effort describes approaches that were applied to transition situation awareness research to address the needs of a military training community. First, a multidisciplinary team allowed us to incorporate research and theory in regards to SA, envision how it could be applied to support ISD products, and incorporate the expertise of members of the operational community. Second, a goal directed training situation analysis enabled us to identify key aspects of the training environment that helped guide the identification of methods that would work. Finally, a multi-method approach allowed us to apply behavioral, cognitive, and ISD approaches to better understand how to define, measure, and train SA in this environment. Such approaches may be applied to transition other complex cognitive constructs from research to applied realms.
Assessment Tools for the Prevention of Musculo Skeletal Disorders (MSDs) on Assembly Lines Follow Up of Medical Data Since 1995
Authors: Moreau M.
Published: January 2012

The work situation assessment at Peugeot Citröen has allowed a follow-up of specific ergonomic criteria, from designing to launching a vehicle. The part mounting is evaluated early at the design stage by a unique method, where work stations were assessed by the production center's local method until 1999. From this date, a unique method will replace these different evaluations. The medical indicators recorded from 1995 to 1999 showed a general decrease in MSDs on assembly lines, and variations linked to important reorganizations of the work conditions.

These assessments allowed the company to put in place an inventory of ergonomic needs drawing on a definition of ergonomic aims. These aims are integrated into the specifications of the design and the industrialization of the vehicle. Consequently, results must be obtained. The follow up of Musculo Skeletal Disorders, combined with assessment results, were useful in auditing the achievement of the ergonomic targets on the shop floor. The «Vibration-Frequency» factors and the «Mental requirements» were not analyzed in the assessment tools.
Total Quality Management in the Public Sector: A Comparison between the USA and France
Authors: Carayon Pascale , Coujard Jean-Louis , Sainfort Francois
Published: January 2012

This paper examines the development and applications of TQM in the public sector, in particular in the USA and in France. Issues related to the implementation process and the content of TQM in the public sector are discussed. Two cases provide data on actual implementations of TQM in the public sector. Both cases are local government agencies, one located in the State of Wisconsin, USA, and the other one in the Eastern region of France. Using Hofstede's model (1997), similarities and differences between the cases are discussed in light of cross-cultural characteristics.
Human Aspects in Process Improvement
Authors: Chin Max A.
Published: January 2012

This paper intends to compare two major process improvement programs, Re-engineering and Total Quality Management (TQM), with the focus of human aspects. Reengineering is a result-focused and IT technology-centered approach for radical process change. Lack of employment involvement usually results in unexpected resistance to such process innovation. On the other hand, TQM focuses on continuous improvement with using all available human and capital resources. In addition to customer, TQM emphasizes both management and employee involvement for constant incremental improvement. The human-centered strategy emphasizes the value of people in process improvement. From the human aspect, these two programs are complementary. The emphasis of human value also rebuilds the paradigm of process evolvement from short-term innovation to a long-term improvement.
The Quality of Footwear Fit: What we know, don't know and should know
Authors: Goonetilleke Ravindra S. , Luximon Ameersing , Tsui Kwok L.
Published: January 2012

Even though fit ranks as one of the most important considerations in the purchase of a shoe, the quality of fit has no metric and is hence poorly assessed. Manufacturers, retailers, and customers tend to use trial and error techniques to improve footwear fit. This approach is rather cumbersome and very unscientific. In this paper, we present a methodology to assess and thereby quantify footwear fit so that comfort can be predicted and consequently improved lasts and shoes can be produced that match different shapes of feet.
Intellectual Capital, Communication, and Information in Organisations and Communities
Authors: Keenan James J.
Published: January 2012

The focus here is on die relation of informatic systems to intellectual capital in work organisations. Intellectual capital is frequently viewed as having several ingredient capitals, for example: human capital, internal structure capital, external structure/customer capital, and innovation capital (for example, Edvinsson & Malone, 1997). Edvinsson and Sullivan define intellectual capital as knowledge that can be converted into value (1996: 358). I argue mat intellectual capital in organisations and other collectivities includes three sets of assets: core capitals of organisational actors, communication capital, and community or social capital. Informatic systems enhance intellectual capital by facilitating the development and use of core knowledge and motivation capitals and the communication and community capitals that are the principal ingredients of intellectual capital as viewed here. Defining the relatively hidden assets of knowledge, motivation, communication, and communities of practice as capital that is essential to the competitive advantages and other successes of organisations underscores the fiduciary responsibility of organisational actors, executives and managers, system designers and operators, and, ultimately, all stakeholders to empower, encourage, and reward value-adding intellectual capital in organisations. The intellectual capital perspective provides a way to conceptualise the always present and often hidden factors which need to be designed, developed, renewed, and otherwise managed in socio-technical systems. The general idea of intellectual capital applies to collectivities of any scale or scope, from small groups through work enterprises to settlements, communities, and whole nations.
Intelligent Macroergonomics Approach for Evaluation of Integrated Manufacturing, Organization, Human Resources, and Information Systems
Authors: Kantola Jussi , Karwowski Waldemar
Published: January 2012

This paper presents an intelligent-based macroergonomic approach to integration of Manufacturing System, Organization, Information Subsystem and Human Resources. The purpose of this approach is to aid in planning and evaluation of the overall design quality of the IMS systems from the macroergonomic point of view. The proposed method can be used to evaluate the overall design quality of the IMS system prior to implementation, or to evaluate an existing IMS system, to compare alternative IMS system designs, and to do “what-if” type analysis about the effect of system improvements on the quality of integration between technology, organization and people.
Human Centred Design Considerations for Multidisciplinary Chronic Heart Failure Disease Management Technology
Authors: Bjornsdottir Gyda
Published: January 2012

Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) is a multi-faceted syndrome associated with high mortality and morbidity, as well as high health care costs from both patient and healthcare system perspectives. Optimal CHF disease management involves a high degree of information management and processing, for patients and providers, as well as timely and appropriate information sharing between them. Nurses have long been important conductors of information between patients and the healthcare system, and can provide a valuable perspective on the design of interactive information technology (IIT) to support multidisciplinary sharing of health information. The complimentary perspectives of holistic nursing and human-centred engineering design are discussed in evaluating multidisciplinary information needs and information management needs regarding CHF disease management of home-based CHF patients in Iceland, the author's home country.
An Experience of Participatory Ergonomic Work Analysis
Authors: Sznelwar L. I. , Vezzá F. M. G. , Zidan L. N.
Published: January 2012

This paper presents and discusses the experience of Ergonomic Work Analysis with the participation of groups of operators together with ergonomists in telephone answering jobs at Call Centers. It describes objectives and methodology and discusses the results of this field intervention for diagnosing work problems related to the occurrence of MSD.
Foremen and Experts as Trainers in a Modeling Process
Authors: Tuominen Eva , Klemola Soili , Leppänen Anneli
Published: January 2012

A training program based on modeling of the work process was carried out in a production line. The foremen and experts were taught to be able to lead the modeling process for the teams. The foremen need new skills and tools to handle their new roles as “coaches” or change agents. The intervention showed that the foremen and experts of the organization adopted the modeling method that has been previously used led by consultants. At the same time they had opportunities to practice their new roles in fostering the development of the work process. The evaluations of the program showed that the modeling process was regarded as useful for the teams as well as for developing the entire work process.
Work Analysis in a Public Health Center: The Evaluation of a Training and Education Program
Authors: Rulli G. , Maggi B. , Cristofolini A. , De Nisi G.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of the paper is to illustrate the evaluation of the results of the analysis of work directed towards prevention, and the connected training and education program, in a local health center. The Method of Organizational Congruencies was used, contemporary, for the analysis and the modification of the work process by workers, and for education and training towards an ergonomic approach to work situations. The evaluation of the results and the impact of training based on the verification of changes in a work process, oriented towards efficacy, efficiency and workers' well-being, allowed to overcome the limits of evaluations based on the simple appreciation by the participants or on the simple acquisition of specific technical abilities.