Human Factors in Simulations of Operations Systems - A Sociotechnical Approach

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The long term objective of this research is to establish a suite of practical tools and simulation methods that can help designers and managers better consider human factors (HF) in their efforts to design work systems that are healthy, with high quality goods and services, while providing superior technical performance. Over 2 million people are killed each year due to work related causes. Work related ill health costs about 4% of the total world domestic product, estimated in the US to be on par with all cancers combined. Epidemiological evidence suggests this issue can be addressed by improving the design of work. Understanding the effects of workplace design on employees can be difficult, so we propose to build computer simulation models that let managers and engineers understand the human effects of the choices they make when designing and managing their work systems. We propose to create novel approaches to using discrete event simulations of systems, and system dynamics modelling of organisations that can reveal the long-run effects of early-stage operational design choices on employees and subsequently on work performance. Development will occur in a series of staged projects in which the HF and context of concern will be used to extend the modelling capability. Variables proposed for modelling include, but are not limited to: 1) Operator Workload including: work pace, process variability, scheduling, division of labour, peak and accumulated biomechanical demands, and cognitive demands; 2) Operator Outcome variables such as competency level (via learning and forgetting models), fatigue state, pain levels, psychosocial states such as burnout or satisfaction levels, absenteeism, presenteeism, and turnover; and 3) System Outcome variables such as service or product quality, productivity, scrap, direct and indirect system costs associated with operational and human resource related costs. We will pursue an ever broadening range of HF to achieve unparalleled “humanization” of the system simulation approach. The program uses specific operational design issues such as the effects of intensification due to lean-styled “waste removal” efforts, the use of parallelised production strategies, and the impacts of changes in patient acuity, and care-giver workload in healthcare systems. We will work directly with industry and healthcare managers to help identify “win-win” design solutions with superior performance and improved working conditions. Working collaboratively allows us to tailor models to the needs of these decision-makers. This program will create new methods for designers and managers to understand how HF in their system design are affecting their employees wellbeing and thus their work performance. This research will open the door for workplace innovation to create benefits for individuals, organisations, and for society at large.