Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine past and current urban programs and to propose a new human engineering approach to solve entrenched problems. The application of a systematic engineering philosophy is central to a process that is focused around the concepts of work. As such, a new application of industrial engineering and human factors is proposed. The creation of stable, worthwhile jobs is crucial, but only in relation to an entire system which includes (among many others) existing governmental programs, educational systems, law enforcement, financial institutions, and especially, people's desires and needs towards bettering their lives. This approach is neither entirely governmental nor privatized. Private industry will be created and encouraged to utilize a non-traditional workforce. Benefits from governmental programs will be utilized to promote an entrepreneurial spirit that can succeed outside of the “underground economy”. In addition, efforts will be coordinated to help people become increasingly independent from hand-outs. The ultimate goal of community ergonomics is to reinvent the “fit” between people, their cities, and society. The development of people and jobs together is vital to this effort. In order for this approach to succeed, programs must propose both empirical research and practical applications.
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