scholarly journals Assessing human factors and ergonomics capability in organizations : The Human Factors Integration Toolset

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. Greig ◽  
Judy Village ◽  
Shane M. Dixon ◽  
Filippo A. Salustri ◽  
W. Patrick Neumann
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Operations Management ◽  
Organizational Design ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Knowledge Work ◽  
Field Testing ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Discrete Elements ◽  
Digital Version ◽  
The Status

This paper presents the development of a tool that allows an organization to assess its level of human factors (HF) and ergonomics integration and maturity within the organization. The Human Factors Integration Toolset (available at: TBD) has been developed and validated through a series of workshops with 45 participants from industry and academia and through industry partnered field-testing. HF maturity is assessed across five levels in 16 organizational functions based on any of 31 discrete elements contributing to HF. Summing element scores in a function determines a percent of ideal HF for the function. Industry stakeholders engaged in field-testing found the tool helped to establish the status of HF in the organization, plan projects to further develop HF capabilities, and initiate discussions on HF for performance and well-being. Improvement suggestions included adding an IT function, refining the language for non-HF specialists, including knowledge work, and creating a digital version to improve usability. Practitioner Summary A tool scoring HF capability in 16 organization functions has been developed collaboratively. Industry stakeholders expressed a need for the tool and provided validation of tool design decisions. Fieldtesting improved tool usability and showed that, beyond scoring HF capability, the tool created opportunities for discussions of HF-related improvement possibilities. Keywords: Macroergonomics, ergonomics strategy, organizational design and management, process management, operations management This paper was awarded a Liberty Mutual Award for 2020.

scholarly journals Assessing human factors and ergonomics capability in organizations : The Human Factors Integration Toolset

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. Greig ◽  
Judy Village ◽  
Shane M. Dixon ◽  
Filippo A. Salustri ◽  
W. Patrick Neumann
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Operations Management ◽  
Organizational Design ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Knowledge Work ◽  
Field Testing ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Discrete Elements ◽  
Digital Version ◽  
The Status

This paper presents the development of a tool that allows an organization to assess its level of human factors (HF) and ergonomics integration and maturity within the organization. The Human Factors Integration Toolset (available at: TBD) has been developed and validated through a series of workshops with 45 participants from industry and academia and through industry partnered field-testing. HF maturity is assessed across five levels in 16 organizational functions based on any of 31 discrete elements contributing to HF. Summing element scores in a function determines a percent of ideal HF for the function. Industry stakeholders engaged in field-testing found the tool helped to establish the status of HF in the organization, plan projects to further develop HF capabilities, and initiate discussions on HF for performance and well-being. Improvement suggestions included adding an IT function, refining the language for non-HF specialists, including knowledge work, and creating a digital version to improve usability. Practitioner Summary A tool scoring HF capability in 16 organization functions has been developed collaboratively. Industry stakeholders expressed a need for the tool and provided validation of tool design decisions. Fieldtesting improved tool usability and showed that, beyond scoring HF capability, the tool created opportunities for discussions of HF-related improvement possibilities. Keywords: Macroergonomics, ergonomics strategy, organizational design and management, process management, operations management This paper was awarded a Liberty Mutual Award for 2020.

scholarly journals Developing human factors metrics and tools to support design and management of production

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. Greig
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Field Testing ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Support Design ◽  
Organizational Functions ◽  
The Status ◽  
Manufacturing Organization

This dissertation takes an exploratory look at the role of human factors (HF) metrics within an electronics manufacturing organization by focussing on three objectives: 1) determining company stakeholder views of HF metrics, metrics development and HF application, 2) developing a workstation level HF assessment tool for light assembly work, and 3) creating a tool that reports the level of HF integration and maturity in an organization. Mixed methods were used in an action research framework. Research at the case organization was predominantly qualitative and included field notes, audio recordings, and company documents. Identified gaps between engineering and HF metrics were due to HF metrics focussed more on health and safety measures and activities being completed, gaps in the understanding of HF contributions, and the need for new HF tools to generate reporting measures. Five identified themes affecting HF metrics development included 1) knowledge of engineer processes and of HF principles, 2) connection of metrics to the organization, 3) support of the organization and of the information to the organization, 4) resource availability and limitations, and 5) communication format of metrics information. Collaborative user-centered development of a workstation efficiency evaluator tool helped determine data of interest and effective communication of output variables for users. Design stage inputs create outputs that include HF and system information. The tool performed well in a comparison to an observation-based analysis and also demonstrated tolerance to input errors on workstation outcomes. The developed Human Factors Integration Tool assesses HF maturity across organizational functions. Face and content validity of the tool were tested in field testing and workshops. Participants communicated a need for the tool and its contents. Industry stakeholders found the consensus-based tool helped to establish the status of HF in the organization, plan projects to further develop HF capabilities, and initiate discussions on HF for performance and well-being. The created tools demonstrated approaches to the development of future HF tools. These dissertation findings illustrate the need for more HF metric work, including developing HF measures that contribute to organization metrics, and that the development of HF measures and processes need HF considerations in their development.

scholarly journals Developing human factors metrics and tools to support design and management of production

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. Greig
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Field Testing ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Support Design ◽  
Organizational Functions ◽  
The Status ◽  
Manufacturing Organization

This dissertation takes an exploratory look at the role of human factors (HF) metrics within an electronics manufacturing organization by focussing on three objectives: 1) determining company stakeholder views of HF metrics, metrics development and HF application, 2) developing a workstation level HF assessment tool for light assembly work, and 3) creating a tool that reports the level of HF integration and maturity in an organization. Mixed methods were used in an action research framework. Research at the case organization was predominantly qualitative and included field notes, audio recordings, and company documents. Identified gaps between engineering and HF metrics were due to HF metrics focussed more on health and safety measures and activities being completed, gaps in the understanding of HF contributions, and the need for new HF tools to generate reporting measures. Five identified themes affecting HF metrics development included 1) knowledge of engineer processes and of HF principles, 2) connection of metrics to the organization, 3) support of the organization and of the information to the organization, 4) resource availability and limitations, and 5) communication format of metrics information. Collaborative user-centered development of a workstation efficiency evaluator tool helped determine data of interest and effective communication of output variables for users. Design stage inputs create outputs that include HF and system information. The tool performed well in a comparison to an observation-based analysis and also demonstrated tolerance to input errors on workstation outcomes. The developed Human Factors Integration Tool assesses HF maturity across organizational functions. Face and content validity of the tool were tested in field testing and workshops. Participants communicated a need for the tool and its contents. Industry stakeholders found the consensus-based tool helped to establish the status of HF in the organization, plan projects to further develop HF capabilities, and initiate discussions on HF for performance and well-being. The created tools demonstrated approaches to the development of future HF tools. These dissertation findings illustrate the need for more HF metric work, including developing HF measures that contribute to organization metrics, and that the development of HF measures and processes need HF considerations in their development.

SOLID WASTE TO THEME BASED PARKS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA: A HEALTHY, SUSTAINABLE, ECO-FRIENDLY AND SKILLED INITIATIVE FOR ENTREPRENEURS

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr. S. Radhakrishnan . ◽  
Mrs. Sunita Yadav ◽  
Dr. Bhagwan Singh
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Solid Waste ◽  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Solid Waste Management ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Himachal Pradesh ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
The Status

Waste is generated by various day to day human activities. Adopting improper waste handling and disposal methods can harm the well-being of public and environment. Waste management creates new opportunities for entrepreneurs in terms of social causes and it affects the economic structure and economic status of any country. One of the new approaches in waste management and income generation is Social entrepreneurship. But in Bharat i.e. India the young entrepreneurs have a dearth of consciousness towards social entrepreneurship. This paper discusses the status of solid waste management in India and Government initiatives for managing Solid Waste at Dharamshala. The main objectives of study are 1) to check awareness of people in managing solid waste at Dharamsala 2) and how to convert the plastic waste into theme based parks as skilled initiative for entrepreneurs at tourist spots in Himachal Pradesh. The paper thus explores the scope for entrepreneurs in waste management. The study reveals that Solid waste management concept attracted the attention of government around 1970s. But till now we believe in filling the waste in the ground or putting them in the dustbin. Government of India has created few acts and rules on waste management which are listed in this paper. Through this study it is revealed that people of Dharamshala welcome to the construction of themed parks made from plastic bottles. Majority of these people believe in separating waste at home and according to them conditions of waste disposal at Dharamshala are not very good. There is a positive correlation between people’s opinion of constructing theme parks and using plastic bottles in park’s construction. Study believes that the quantity of plastic waste in our country is endless which creates lot scope and opportunity to the social entrepreneurs.

Macroergonomics: Integrating Human Factors and Organizational Behavior Approaches to Organizational Design and Management

1987 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew S. Imada
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Organizational Behavior ◽  
Organizational Design ◽  
Organizational Needs ◽  
Current Practices

This symposium proposes macroergonomics as a vehicle for integrating human and organizational needs. The concept is defined and differentiated from more traditional studies in organizational behavior and human factors. Specific areas of focus include: conceptuation and differentiation of the unique contributions of macroergonomics; current practices and directions; integration of human and organizational data; and contemporary issues and concerns facing researchers and writers in the field.

scholarly journals The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on socio-economic and sustainability

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xueli Wei ◽  
Lijing Li ◽  
Fan Zhang
Keyword(s):  
World Economy ◽  
Social Economy ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Social ◽  
The World ◽  
The Status ◽  
Sectional Analysis ◽  
The Impact

Pumping elephantThe COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the lives of people around the world in millions of ways . Due to this severe epidemic, all countries in the world have been affected by all aspects, mainly economic. It is widely discussed that the COVID-19 outbreak has affected the world economy. When considering this dimension, this study aims to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world economy, socio-economics, and sustainability. In addition, the research focuses on multiple aspects of social well-being during the pandemic, such as employment, poverty, the status of women, food security, and global trade. To this end, the study used time series and cross-sectional analysis of the data. The second-hand data used in this study comes from the websites of major international organizations. From the analysis of secondary data, the conclusion of this article is that the impact of the pandemic is huge. The main finding of the thesis is that the social economy is affected by the pandemic, causing huge losses in terms of economic well-being and social capital.

scholarly journals Six Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Working from Home in Europe during COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1826
Author(s):  
Christine Ipsen ◽  
Marc van Veldhoven ◽  
Kathrin Kirchner ◽  
John Paulin Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Work ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Differential Impact ◽  
Home Office ◽  
Negative Experience ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Working From Home ◽  
And Performance

The number of people working from home (WFH) increased radically during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate people’s experiences of WFH during the pandemic and to identify the main factors of advantages and disadvantages of WFH. Data from 29 European countries on the experiences of knowledge workers (N = 5748) WFH during the early stages of lockdown (11 March to 8 May 2020) were collected. A factor analysis showed the overall distribution of people’s experiences and how the advantages and disadvantages of WFH during the early weeks of the pandemic can be grouped into six key factors. The results indicated that most people had a more positive rather than negative experience of WFH during lockdown. Three factors represent the main advantages of WFH: (i) work–life balance, (ii) improved work efficiency and (iii) greater work control. The main disadvantages were (iv) home office constraints, (v) work uncertainties and (vi) inadequate tools. Comparing gender, number of children at home, age and managers versus employees in relation to these factors provided insights into the differential impact of WFH on people’s lives. The factors help organisations understand where action is most needed to safeguard both performance and well-being. As the data were collected amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we recommend further studies to validate the six factors and investigate their importance for well-being and performance in knowledge work.

scholarly journals Foreword and Introduction to This Issue on Contemporary Safety Topics in Animal Research

ILAR Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-126
Author(s):  
John Bradfield ◽  
Esmeralda Meyer ◽  
John N Norton
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Occupational Health And Safety ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Animal Research ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
The Status ◽  
Safety Considerations ◽  
Animal Care ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Institutions with animal care and use programs are obligated to provide for the health and well-being of the animals, but are equally obligated to provide for safety of individuals associated with the program. The topics in this issue of the ILAR Journal, in association with those within the complimentary issue of the Journal of Applied Biosafety, provide a variety of contemporary occupational health and safety considerations in today’s animal research programs. Each article addresses key or emerging occupational health and safety topics in institutional animal care and use programs, where the status of the topic, contemporary challenges, and future directions are provided.

scholarly journals Quantified factory worker: field study of a web application supporting work well-being and productivity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Päivi Heikkilä ◽  
Anita Honka ◽  
Eija Kaasinen ◽  
Kaisa Väänänen
Keyword(s):  
Field Study ◽  
Web Application ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Knowledge Work ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Production Data ◽  
Automated Manufacturing ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Mental Load ◽  
Machine Operators

AbstractThe work on the factory floor is gradually changing to resemble knowledge work due to highly automated manufacturing machines. In the increasingly automated work environment, the machine operator’s task is to keep the production running and to solve possible problems quickly. This work is expected to become more autonomous, which raises the importance of supporting the workers’ well-being. An important aspect of that is giving concrete feedback of success at work as well as feedback on physical and mental load. We implemented a smartphone optimized web application, Worker Feedback Dashboard that offers feedback to machine operators about their well-being at work and personally relevant production data as well as their connections to each other. The feedback is personal and based on objective, near real-time measurements. We present the results of a field study, in which ten machine operators used the application for 2–3 months. We studied the operators’ user experience, usage activity, perceived benefits and concerns for the application with questionnaires, interviews and application log data. The operators found the feedback interesting and beneficial, and used the application actively. The perceived benefits indicate impacts on well-being as well as on work performance. Based on the results, we highlight three design implications for quantified worker applications: presenting meaningful overviews, providing guidance to act based on the feedback and refraining from too pervasive quantification not to narrow down the meaningful aspects in one’s work.

scholarly journals Context-Aware Business Process Management

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan vom Brocke ◽  
Marie-Sophie Baier ◽  
Theresa Schmiedel ◽  
Katharina Stelzl ◽  
Maximilian Röglinger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Business Process ◽  
Process Design ◽  
Context Awareness ◽  
Business Process Management ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Status Quo ◽  
Context Aware ◽  
The Status ◽  
Successful Business

AbstractContext awareness is essential for successful business process management (BPM). So far, research has covered relevant BPM context factors and context-aware process design, but little is known about how to assess and select BPM methods in a context-aware manner. As BPM methods are involved in all stages of the BPM lifecycle, it is key to apply appropriate methods to efficiently use organizational resources. Following the design science paradigm, the study at hand addresses this gap by developing and evaluating the Context-Aware BPM Method Assessment and Selection (CAMAS) Method. This method assists method engineers in assessing in which contexts their BPM methods can be applied and method users in selecting appropriate BPM methods for given contexts. The findings of this study call for more context awareness in BPM method design and for a stronger focus on explorative BPM. They also provide insights into the status quo of existing BPM methods.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document