Measuring and Enhancing the Contribution of Human Factors in Military System Development: Case Studies of the Application of Impact Assessment Methodologies

Measuring and Enhancing the Contribution of Human Factors in Military System Development: Case Studies of the Application of Impact Assessment Methodologies
Author: Charles R. Sawyer
Publisher:
Total Pages: 193
Release: 1981
Genre:
ISBN:

This document reports: the feasibility of an impact assessment methodology for measuring the value (cost-benefits) of human factors R & D in system acquisition, and the outline of a human factors impact handbook for the systems developer. Three basic interrelated steps were involved in this effort. First, two case studies, a maneuver control system and the F/A-18, were selected, and a detailed plan for application of the impact methodology was developed. Next, human factors-related elements (e.g., tradeoffs, deficiencies, costs, etc.) were examined; then the impact analysis was applied to demonstrate its utility in evaluating selected design options which bear upon operator performance and compatibility issues. This exercise indicated that the impact methodology is a feasible tool for assessing the value of human factors in systems development. Finally, a human factors impact handbook for systems developers was outlined, based upon the rationale, methodology, and findings of the overall effort.

The Contribution of Human Factors in Military System Development: Methodological Considerations

The Contribution of Human Factors in Military System Development: Methodological Considerations
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 295
Release: 1980
Genre:
ISBN:

This document reports on an effort to determine (a) the conceptual basis for human factors contributions to military system development and (b) the feasibility of an impact assessment methodology to measure the value of human factors R & D in system development. For these purposes, two parallel analytic processes were implemented. One analytic process provided the conceptual basis for human factors in military system development. First, a rationale for human factors contributions and products was prepared. This rationale was further supported by policy documentation containing requirements for human factors R & D. The second analytic process provided the basis for evaluating human factors contributions. A review of cost-benefit analysis techniques applicable to human factors was performed together with a derivation of measurement metrics. These efforts resulted in a framework for performance of impact assessment and a determination that it is a feasible methodology for application to evaluations of human factors contributions to military system development. This technical report provides recommendations for further refinement and validation of impact assessment in the measurement of the value of human factors efforts and products. Recommendations for developing human factors impact assessment handbooks are also provided. (Author).

The Contribution of Human Factors in Military System Development: Methodological Considerations

The Contribution of Human Factors in Military System Development: Methodological Considerations
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 295
Release: 1980
Genre:
ISBN:

This document reports on an effort to determine (a) the conceptual basis for human factors contributions to military system development and (b) the feasibility of an impact assessment methodology to measure the value of human factors R & D in system development. For these purposes, two parallel analytic processes were implemented. One analytic process provided the conceptual basis for human factors in military system development. First, a rationale for human factors contributions and products was prepared. This rationale was further supported by policy documentation containing requirements for human factors R & D. The second analytic process provided the basis for evaluating human factors contributions. A review of cost-benefit analysis techniques applicable to human factors was performed together with a derivation of measurement metrics. These efforts resulted in a framework for performance of impact assessment and a determination that it is a feasible methodology for application to evaluations of human factors contributions to military system development. This technical report provides recommendations for further refinement and validation of impact assessment in the measurement of the value of human factors efforts and products. Recommendations for developing human factors impact assessment handbooks are also provided. (Author).

Designing Soldier Systems

Designing Soldier Systems
Author: John Martin
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 505
Release: 2018-05-20
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1317152077

This book focuses on contemporary human factors issues within the design of soldier systems and describes how they are currently being investigated and addressed by the U.S. Army to enhance soldier performance and effectiveness. Designing Soldier Systems approaches human factors issues from three main perspectives. In the first section, Chapters 1-5 focus on complexity introduced by technology, its impact on human performance, and how issues are being addressed to reduce cognitive workload. In the second section, Chapters 6-10 concentrate on obstacles imposed by operational and environmental conditions on the battlefield and how they are being mitigated through the use of technology. The third section, Chapters 11-21, is dedicated to system design and evaluation including the tools, techniques and technologies used by researchers who design soldier systems to overcome human physical and cognitive performance limitations as well as the obstacles imposed by environmental and operations conditions that are encountered by soldiers. The book will appeal to an international multidisciplinary audience interested in the design and development of systems for military use, including defense contractors, program management offices, human factors engineers, human system integrators, system engineers, and computer scientists. Relevant programs of study include those in human factors, cognitive science, neuroscience, neuroergonomics, psychology, training and education, and engineering.

Human Factors Testing and Evaluation

Human Factors Testing and Evaluation
Author: D. Meister
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 437
Release: 2014-06-28
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1483295214

Human factors measurement has characteristics that set it apart from psychological or engineering measurement and for that reason, human factors testing and evaluation deserves special treatment. The many excellent texts available in the behavioral area do not give an adequate picture of this topic, and this is particularly unfortunate because testing and evaluation (T&E) is an integral part of human-machine system design and operation. The emphasis in this book is on why and how to conduct such testing. One of its outstanding features is its pragmatism; based on his past experience in system testing, the author recognizes the difficulties that occur in testing and indicates how these may be overcome or minimized. Special attention has been paid to the context in which T&E is conducted. Although the book contains detailed procedures for performing T&E, the logic and the conceptual foundation of testing have not been overlooked. Comparisons are made with laboratory-centered experimentation. For those with research interests, the author points out the many research questions that can be answered by system testing. An illustrative case history of a T&E program for a fictional system has been included to provide ``real life'' context. Special problem areas in T&E are emphasized, in particular human error data collection, the evaluation of computerized systems and software, the measurement of maintenance technician and team performance; workload and training effectiveness testing. Special attention is also paid to environmental testing (e.g. temperature, lighting, noise, vibration, etc.). One chapter reviews all the relevant T&E literature including government documents that may not be readily available to the general reader. As part of the preparation for writing this text a survey was made of 45 distinguished T&E specialists in order to determine their characteristic T&E practices.The book will be useful not only to the human factors professional who specializes in T&E, but to all students and practitioners interested in human factors and work measurement.