Abstract
The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of total system design factors (TSD) on human performance in a power plant. The TSD factors are defined as design factors, which have an impact on the overall performance of the power plants in the context of total human engineering or macroergonomy. The systems being studied are the control rooms and maintenance departments of a 2000 MW thermal power plant? To achieve the above objective the TSD factors were addressed and assessed through a detailed questionnaire. The relationships between TSD factors and human performance were then examined through non-parametric correlation analysis (Kramer’s Phi) and Kruskal-Wallis test of means. The selected TSD factors are related to procedures, work assessment, teamwork, self-organization, information exchange and communication. The results of this study show that the TSD factors such as organizational and safety procedures, teamwork, self-organization, job design and information exchange influence human performance in the power plant. The findings also suggest that the selected TSD factors correlate to human performance and must be considered, designed and tested concurrently with the engineering factors at the design phase of the system development cycle. Consequently, total system’s faults and organizational errors are reduced to an acceptable level and human performance is significantly increased. This is a challenging task for designers of power plants but is required if we are facing unforeseen and complex issues of such systems in twenty-first century. The methodology discussed here may be easily extended to all types of power plants.
Highlights
Total System Design (TSD) is an integrated developmental process, which is based on a series of well-defined phases
It should be noted that the engineering design process is often perceived as mainly technical activity, yet within an engineering design organization it really only coheres as a social activity
This study introduces the socialtechnical factors as essential and vital part of the design process in power plants and because they are related to overall management and organization structures, they are referred to as total system design (TSD) factors in the context of human performance[1-3]
Summary
Total System Design (TSD) is an integrated developmental process, which is based on a series of well-defined phases. This study introduces the socialtechnical factors as essential and vital part of the design process in power plants and because they are related to overall management and organization structures, they are referred to as total system design (TSD) factors in the context of human performance[1-3]. The ergonomic factors are considered in parallel to organizational and managerial aspects of working conditions in context of a total system design. It attempts to create equilibrium between, Corresponding Address: A. A macroergonomics program optimizes interface between operators, machines and organization by using teamwork, on-the-job training, well defined procedures and total management. The difference between mean ratings of operators in respect
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
