ABSTRACT

This chapter provides a joint framework for integrating models of human and organizational performance that have been discussed in the context of systems thinking. The selection of performance models should reflect both the particular domain of application and the scientific approach with its guiding principles. Air traffic control is a domain that is increasing in ‘interactive complexity’ but still maintains a manageable ‘degree of coupling’ that works for replanning and error recovery. At the sharp-end, ATC involves many taskwork and teamwork functions as presented in T2EAM (Taskwork/Teamwork for Effective and Adaptive Management). In addition, the controller's work is affected by organizational policies as well as interactions with airport facilities and airlines. ATC is part of a network of aviation stakeholders operating in a dynamic interaction as new changes are introduced by new initiatives in SESAR and NextGen. Hence, human performance should be considered within an organizational framework that addresses constraints and resources at the sharp-end. This chapter aims to integrate T2EAM and VSM to provide a common framework for analyzing the performance of people and organizations in air traffic control.