Abstract
A function modeling methodology was used to analyze and graphically describe the activities and work products of an industrial Human Factors Engineering (HFE) group. A model was constructed representing the HFE functions and describing the information that interrelates them. Data was collected to estimate the amount of staff effort devoted to each of the functions. The model: (a) identifies where actual practice departs from desired practice; (b) pinpoints where and how critical project deliverables are generated, (c) provides the basis for a standardized approach to the conduct of HFE; and (d) serves as a training vehicle for new staff members. The results of the data collection showed that 83% of HFE activities are devoted directly to performing technical functions. These efforts reflect a “classical” Human Engineering approach which emphasizes human-machine system analysis, design and evaluation. Less staff effort is devoted to the larger Human Factors domain which is concerned, per se, with personnel subsystem issues.
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