ABSTRACT
There are three types of input factors that can affect human performance in the workplace: (i) work environment, (ii) work tasks, and (iii) individual factors. Figure 2.1 demonstrates how the three types of input factors can determine the physical and nonphysical factors of working conditions affecting human performance, and as a result the work output. In this chapter, human performance is dened as the pattern of activities carried out to achieve an objective according to certain qualitative and/or quantitative work standards-in other words, performance is measured as the degree of accomplishing work standards that can be dened in the following different ways:
• Output quantity • Output productivity • Output quality • Work safety
2.2 Applications of human factors analysis Regardless of which method or model is selected for analysis, human factors analysis can be used and applied in numerous single or interdisciplinary elds such as industrial engineering, business, and medicine. The following is a list of human factors analysis applications in different elds:
1. Design of work and improvement of work tasks/processes by IEs, business managers, supervisors, and teams: Human factors analysis (also known as work system analysis) can serve as a diagnostic tool to point out the deciencies in a work system (content and context of work). Consequently, the most appropriate and relevant design guidelines can be utilized to improve the work tasks and work environment. It can also be used as a monitoring and evaluating tool for work improvement efforts (Hackman and Oldham, 1980).
