Performance Enhancement and Accident Reduction in Complex Systems: Perspectives and a Research Program

Abstract

Accidents in complex systems seldom arise from a single source, and are most often the result of multiple factors occurring at different levels of the system. Understanding the “systems” aspects of human performance (and performance error) in complex systems is a necessary part of any effort to avoid serious mishaps due to human error. This panel is intended to coincide with the development of a major research effort at the University of Wisconsin to address these issues. The Center for Human Performance in Complex Systems will apply the disciplines of systems engineering and ergonomics design to improve complex systems processes from the perspective of human performance. The purpose of this panel is to foster and demonstrate the Center's interest in bringing together a variety of perspectives and expertise bases to improve the overall quality and breadth of its activities. Each of the participants has a longstanding interest in improving the quality of human performance in complex and critical systems environments. Although they cannot represent the entire spectrum of relevant disciplines and perspectives of ergonomics and systems analysis, they provide a balance of insights, experience, and enthusiasm. This balance is essential to improving our understanding of factors affecting complex socio-technical systems, and implementing strategies to prevent and ameliorate the effects of system degradation and breakdown.