Human Factors in Organizational Design and Management of Industrial Plants

Abstract

Twenty-five years ago a group of ergonomics scientists predicted the future of the profession and the needed professional response to the anticipated conditions. One of the major conclusions was that organizational design and management factors would be increasingly important. Industry is one domain in which this need has materialized. This article reviews the fundamental concepts having to do with organizational design and management in ergonomics. Specifically, models and methods related to structure and process are described for the analysis and design of complex work systems. Finally, case studies are briefly presented to help validate and illustrate the perspective and methods recommended.