Developing complex sociotechnical systems often involves integrating new technology into existing systems by applying systems engineering processes. This requires an understanding of the problem space and the possible impact of the new technology. Systems engineering uses modelling to explore the structural, functional, and operational elements of the problem and solution space (Hitchins 2008). Historically, systems engineering has however struggled with complex sociotechnical systems projects, as it cannot cope with the dynamic behaviour of complex sociotechnical systems. The hypothesis of this thesis is that addressing the contribution of humans performing work in a complex, constrained and dynamic environment using modelling will result in a better understanding in the analysis phase; it should also lead to improved requirements, designs, selection of technologies, and implementation strategies, enabling sociotechnical systems to cope with complex operating environments. A sociotechnical system consists of humans applying technology to perform work through processes within a social structure (organisation) aimed at achieving a defined objective (Bostrom & Heinen 1977, Walker et al. 2009). Work can become complex due to non-linear and dynamic interaction among the people themselves, among people and technology, as well as among people and the environment. Complexity may lead to “wicked and messy” problems, as many unintended or unpredicted consequences may be experienced. The new technology may also lead to new task possibilities that evolve user requirements (Carroll & Rosson 1992). Systems engineering, as developed in the 1950s, forms the basis of developing systems, including sociotechnical systems. Classic systems engineering processes assume that problems can be isolated and decomposed, making the development of complex sociotechnical systems difficult. One way to improve the success of systems engineering is to ensure that the problem to be solved is properly understood. Analysis of the problem and solution space involves capturing and modelling the knowledge and mental models of the stakeholders, to support understanding the system’s requirements. A good description of the problem situation through a model is the first step towards designing and developing a solution. The aim of this study is to develop and demonstrate a modelling methodology for complex sociotechnical systems, in support of the systems engineering process. The two approaches used in the modelling methodology are cognitive work analysis and system dynamics. Cognitive work analysis is a framework for analysing the way people perform work in an organisation, while taking the environmental constraints into consideration. The outputs of cognitive work analysis are constructs or models that capture the structure of the problem. Functions provided by different technological elements are linked to the functional requirements of the system, to achieve its purpose (Lintern 2012). However, cognitive work analysis is limited in investigating the dynamic effect of decisions and policies on the system (Cummings 2006). The dynamic behaviour of complex sociotechnical systems can be analysed using system dynamics, which uses the structure of the system in simulation. System dynamics analyse the effect of feedback and delays on operating the system, as a result of decisions based on policies (Sterman 2000). The design science research framework, which also supports the research design of this thesis, is used to implement the modelling and structure the methodology. Design science research aims at creating technology for a human purpose, unlike the natural sciences, which are geared towards attempting to understand and define reality (March & Smith 1995). The proposed methodology is demonstrated in a case study using modelling and analysis of the impact of a new collaboration technology on command and control systems. Command and control is a good example of a complex sociotechnical system, as humans use technology to assemble and analyse information for situation assessment in support of planning operations (Walker et al. 2009). These systems are also used to control the successful implementation of plans in constrained and variable operating environments. The modelling methodology is demonstrated by modelling and assessing the effect of a new command and control technology for border safeguarding operations, anti-poaching operations and community policing forums. The new technology to be implemented in these complex sociotechnical systems is called “Cmore”. It is a web-based collaboration system that uses smartphones to capture information and track users. Even though the three demonstrations constitute similar systems, the different contextual situations result in diverse behaviour and issues to be investigated. The demonstrations centre on the functions of situation awareness and decision support. The different output models for the command and control systems are used in system dynamics simulations to assess the effect of new technology on the operating and effectiveness of a system. The case studies demonstrated that the modelling methodology support learning about the implementation of a new technology in various complex sociotechnical systems. The developed models and constructs also supported developing evaluation templates during the planning of experiments through identifying key issues. The system dynamics simulations used parametric inputs to investigate the behaviour of the system. In most cases, the simulation outputs identified interesting and counter-intuitive behaviour for deeper assessment. The community policing forum case study also gathered qualitative empirical evidence on the system's behaviour, during a field experiment. The outcomes are compared with the models and simulation outputs to improve the system behavioural models. The learning and improved understanding of the complex sociotechnical system behaviour gained through the modelling methodology, demonstrated its utility. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / tm2015 / Graduate School of Technology Management (GSTM) / PhD / Unrestricted

In the road transportation industry development is moving towards more advanced technology and the use of automation in the driving environment is increasing. Regarding the safety risks associated with an unconsidered use of a high degree of automation, it is expensive to develop automatic systems dealing with complex situations. As there is still much improvement to do in this area, this thesis aims to contribute to developing safe autonomic systems to assist truck drivers. The aim of the study was twofold, namely 1) to use Cognitive Work Analysis to identify opportunities for enhancing human-heavy vehicle system performance and 2) to contribute to improving the possibilities for identifying opportunities for enhancing system performance through the development of a method of prioritizing Activities using a Contextual Activity Template. To identify the opportunities for improvement, the first two phases of a Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA) – Work Domain Analysis (WDA) and Control Task Analysis (ConTA), were conducted. To complete the WDA, five hours of interviews were conducted with a senior technical adviser from Scania CV AB as well as a two hour interview with an experienced commercial driver. Additionally, an observation study was conducted during which three video cameras were used to capture sixteen hours of footage (per camera) from 35 hours (2500kms) of observation (one driver/day over a four day period). During the observation study, drivers were asked to talk out loud about the information needed, decisions made and to provide some rational for their behavior at that time with respect to their driving activities. A total of 40 minutes of talk out loud video data was collected per driver. Finally, around five hours of follow-up interviews were conduct-ed during which these drivers reviewed the videos collected during the observation study. The results from the WDA were presented in an Abstraction Hierarchy. The overall functional purpose of the system was defined as Goods Distribution via Road Transportation with the values and priorities being Effectivity and Efficiency, Safety, Comfort, Laws/regulations, Reputation, and Organizational Regulations. For the WDA in the current thesis, the AH was completed for the first three values listed above. In total the AH included 343 nodes (39 at the Purpose Related Functions level, 77 at the Object Related Processes level, and 211 at the Physical Objects level). The means by which the physical objects were used in different situations was described using a Contractual Activity Template. The object related processes defined in the AH were crosschecked with 42 situations identified during the observation study. Eight hours of further interviews were conducted with the previously-observed drivers to better understand the relationship between the object related processes and the situations. The object related process-situations matrix was then prioritized according to importance and frequency. On the basis of this prioritization, a set of potential improvement areas were identified, as for example communication and visibility during highway driving. / Transportindustrins utveckling går mot mer avancerad teknik och högre automationsgrad i förarmiljön. Det är kostsamt att utveckla automatiska system som klarar att hantera komplexa situationer på grund av de säkerhetsrisker som är förknippade med ogenomtänkt införande av automation. Eftersom det fortfarande finns mycket förbättring att göra inom området syftar denna studie till att bidra i utvecklingen av säkra autonoma system som stödjer lastbilschauffören. Studien hade ett tvåfaldigt syfte, nämligen 1) att använda Cognitive Work Analysis för att identifiera möjligheter att förbättra människa-fordonssystemsprestandan för tunga lastbilar och 2) att bidra till att förbättra möjligheterna att identifiera möjliga systemförbättringar genom utveckling av en metod för prioritering av aktiviteterna i en Contextual Activity Template. För att identifiera förbättringsmöjligheterna genomfördes de två första faserna av Cognitive Work Analysis – Work Domain Analysis (WDA) och Control Task Analysis (ConTA). För WDA utfördes fem timmar av intervjuer med en senior technical adviser från Scania VC AB och en två timmars intervju med en erfaren kommersiell lastbilschaufför. Utöver detta genomfördes en observationsstudie där tre videokameror användes för att samla 16 timmars inspelning (per kamera) från 35 timmars (2500 km) observation (en förare/dag under en fyradagarsperiod). Under observationsstudien berättade förarna högt om informationsbehov, beslut som tas och förklarade beteendet under de olika köraktiviteterna. Totalt 40 minuter av videodata när förarna berättade högt insamlades per förare. Slutligen genomfördes ungefär fem timmar av efterföljande intervjuer där samma förare fick återge körningen utifrån videomaterialet från observationsstudien. Resultatet från WDA presenterades i en abstraktionshierarki. Det övergripande funktionella syftet med systemet var definierat som godsdistribution via vägtransport med värdena och prioriteringarna Effektivitet, Säkerhet, Komfort, Lagar/Regler, Rykte och Organisatoriska regler. För WDA:n i detta examensarbete gjordes en AH för de tre första värdena nämnda ovan. Totalt bestod AH av 343 noder, (39 på nivån med syftesrelaterade funktioner, 77 på nivån med objektrelaterade processer och 211 på nivån med fysiska objekt). I vilka situationer de fysiska objektens funktioner användes beskrevs med en Contractual Activity Template (CAT; Naikar et al., 2006). De objektrelaterade processer definierade i AH:n undersöktes utifrån 42 situationer identifierade under observationsstudien. Åtta timmar av vidare intervju genomfördes med förarna från observationsstudien för att erhålla en bättre förståelse för förhållandet mellan de objektrelaterade processerna och situationerna. Matrisen med objektrelaterade processer och situationer prioriterades sedan enligt betydelse och frekvens. Baserat på prioriteringen identifierades ett antal potentiella förbättringsområden, exempelvis kommunikation och synlighet under landsvägskörning.

This thesis focuses on analysis of jobs in private company MAVEL a.s. Objective of this thesis is to update current jobs descriptions, which are supplemented by specification, and to create the missing description of the selected jobs. The first part of the work is theoretical base, which is elaborated by the literature and relevant web sources. The practical part discribes the company and basic characteristics of the respondents, who were all workers of studied jobs. Next part is analysis of work, which was carried out by questionnaires. The analysis result is to create jobs descriptions, whose final version is fleshed out by interview with senior staff. Updated descriptions should facilitace the selection procedure to the given positions. At the end of the work are introduced some recommendations which should lead to more effictive HR activities in the investigate company.

Submitted by Izabel Franco (izabel-franco@ufscar.br) on 2016-09-20T12:24:18Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DissGFB.pdf: 4714978 bytes, checksum: 418d994bec2ad1909fecea7a13c3a3bf (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Marina Freitas (marinapf@ufscar.br) on 2016-09-21T12:31:52Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DissGFB.pdf: 4714978 bytes, checksum: 418d994bec2ad1909fecea7a13c3a3bf (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Marina Freitas (marinapf@ufscar.br) on 2016-09-21T12:31:59Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DissGFB.pdf: 4714978 bytes, checksum: 418d994bec2ad1909fecea7a13c3a3bf (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-09-21T12:32:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DissGFB.pdf: 4714978 bytes, checksum: 418d994bec2ad1909fecea7a13c3a3bf (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-08-18 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Prefabricated building systems in Light Steel Frame - LSF are widely used in developed countries like England, Japan and USA. As constructive process, the LSF shows a progress compared to the traditional system is characterized by being an industrial building, rationalized with high productivity and require one skilled labor. The ergonomic point of view, such a system offers significant improvements in employees' working conditions and despite these improvements are significant, we can still identify ergonomic problems related to the activities of workers. In this context, this work aims, through ergonomic work analysis - AET, to survey the critical activities performed during the construction process and a diagnosis of the situations encountered on site. This research is exploratory to be keen to discover and observe phenomena, trying to describe them, classify them and interpret them and their driving was used as a research method, the case study. To capture the data, makes use of ergonomic analysis of manual work - EWA (Ergonomic Workplace Analysis), METs (The standard metabolic equivalent) and OCRA (Occupational repetitive actions) in which the following items were considered: Load-lifting, accident risk, attention, general physical activity, working postures and movements and repetitiveness of the work. Among the main findings stand out: the high risk of this accident carrying out the work due to organizational process of the company, moderate caloric expenditure in the execution of activities and high IE OCRA present in fixing activities (screwing) the structures and the sealing elements. / Sistemas construtivos pré-fabricados em Light Steel Frame - LSF são amplamente utilizados em países desenvolvidos como Inglaterra, Japão e EUA. Como processo construtivo, o LSF apresenta uma evolução quando comparado com o sistema tradicional, caracteriza-se por ser uma construção industrializada, racionalizada, com elevada produtividade e por demandar uma mão de obra capacitada. Do ponto de vista ergonômico, esse sistema apresenta melhoras significativas nas condições de trabalho dos trabalhadores e, apesar dessas melhoras serem significativas, ainda podemos identificar problemas ergonômicos relacionados às atividades dos trabalhadores. Dentro desse contexto, esse trabalho busca, por meio da análise ergonômica do trabalho – AET, realizar um levantamento das atividades críticas desenvolvidas durante o processo construtivo e realizar um diagnóstico das situações encontradas em obras. Essa pesquisa tem caráter exploratório por estar interessada em descobrir e observar fenômenos, procurando descrevê-los, classificá-los e interpretá-los e na sua condução utilizou-se como método de pesquisa o estudo de caso. Para a captura dos dados, fez-se uso de três instrumentos ergonômicos: manual de análise ergonômica do local de trabalho – EWA (Ergonomic Workplace Analysis), MET's (The Standard Metabolic Equivalent) e do OCRA (Occupational repetitive actions). Foram considerados os seguintes itens para avaliação: elevação de carga, riscos de acidente, atenção, atividade física geral, posturas de trabalho e movimentos e repetitividade do trabalho. Dentre os principais resultados obtidos, destacam-se: o elevado risco de acidente presente na execução da obra, devido ao processo organizacional da empresa, gasto calórico moderado na execução das atividades e elevado IE OCRA presente nas atividades de fixação (parafusamento) das estruturas e dos elementos de vedação.

The Master's Thesis deals with human resources management in small businesses. The theoretical part introduces small business' specifics in human resources and describes personal processes in small businesses. The aim of the theoretical part is to provide theoretical framework for the practical part of the thesis. In the practical part the small company is described including the description of personal processes in the company. The goal of the thesis is to analyse personal processes in the company, evaluate them and to create recommendations for management of the company. These recommendations are presented in the second part of the practical section of the thesis and if applied should lead to an improvement of the company's human resources management.

To gain an understanding about what information requirements there are for future operators of autonomous drone swarms at airport, this study examined how work at airports is structured today, what staff at airports think about the potential implementation of autonomous drones, and what potential interface components that are necessary to be able to control these drones. Interviews and observations were made at five different airports and air traffic control towers with tower and ground staff. Based on the collected data a Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA) was made to understand the domain and a Thematic Analysis (TA) was made to understand the ideas regarding the drones. Finally, a workshop with fellow researchers was made to generate ideas about solutions and interface requirements, which was analyzed together with the CWA and TA. It was concluded that the main values of the system are to maintain Situational Awareness, Avoid collisions, and Keep time in order to ensure safe flight traffic. A major aspect to make this possible is communication. This was also a main factor for the implementation of autonomous drones, where it was considered important to know what the drones are doing and where they are. However, it was not always necessary for every person at the airport to have complete oversight and control over the drone, but having the possibility to gain that information was central. Having overview of the drones’ present activities, being able to see what they had done, being able to control them directly, and getting notified about relevant information were interface requirements identified. It was concluded that despite there being some constraints and challenges to implementing autonomous drones at airports, there are aspects that can be taken into account and information to be presented in the right way for the future operator to enable implementation of the autonomous drones at airports.

The aim of the following work is an attempt to focus on the broadly understood music of Johannes Brahms. The author of the work looks at selected works by the composer, which, in her opinion, can be helpful in working on any piece. Numerous searches in symphonic works, knowledge of individual chamber and vocal works can definitely help every musician find the unique sound of Brahms. All this is done with the composer's first piece in mind: Sonata in C major Op.1 No. 1, which the author of the work will perform at the diploma concert. The work below contains an analysis of the Sonata, conclusions, hints regarding the sound, the direction of work and numerous information about Brahms' life from the accounts of his friends. / <p>Johannes Brahms - Sonate No. 1 Op. 1 in C major </p> / no

Being able to perform good data analysis is a fundamental part of running any business or organization. One way of enabling data analysis is with a data warehouse system, a type of database that gathers and transforms data from multiple sources and structures it in the goal of simplifying analysis. It is commonly used to provide support in decision-making. Although a data warehouse enables data analysis, it is also relevant to consider how well the system supports analysis. This thesis is a qualitative research that aims to investigate how work domain analysis (WDA) can be used to evaluate the design of a data warehouse system. To do so, a case study at the IT company Norconsult Astando was performed. A data warehouse system was designed for an issue management system and evaluated using the abstraction hierarchy (AH) model. The research done in this thesis showed that analysis was enabled by adopting Kimball’s bottom-up approach and a star schema design with an accumulating snapshot fact table. Through evaluation of the design, it was shown that most of the design choices made for the data warehouse were captured in the AH. It was concluded that with sufficient data collection methods, WDA can be used to a large extent when evaluating a data warehouse system.

<p>Computer users often suffer from poorly designed support systems that hinder them from performing their work efficiently and with satisfaction. The evidence is found in observations of users at work, interviews, evaluations of systems, and numerous reports of systems with poor usability that fail from start. </p><p>Those who use the systems are proficient in their work, and those who develop systems are proficient in software engineering. These two groups have often little knowledge and understanding of each other’s worlds and their vocabularies are quite different. In systems development projects, users are often confronted with representations of their work that they hardly recognize. Systems designers compose these representations in an attempt to reduce the complexity of the work practices in a way that is appropriate for systems development. It is very difficult for users to appreciate the consequences fully on their future work situation from such representations, since they are removed from the social setting and often describe work in a fragmentized way. The unfamiliar view of their work may make the users less inclined to participate in the forthcoming design process. </p><p>This thesis presents research performed to increase the usability of systems in working life and to explore conditions that facilitate the design of systems that really support the users work. The research comprises field studies in different work contexts, e.g. health care, dentistry, public service, and transportation. Information on the essentials of work has been gathered and analyzed to learn how such findings can be translated into systems design. Another goal has been to explore how to make the most of users’ experiences and skills to assure systems that better fit their work. Along with a growing awareness of the importance of user involvement in design, a participatory design process including the analysis and design of work has evolved.</p>

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