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Model-based identification and use of task complexity factors of human integrated systems

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  • Ham, Dong-Han
  • Park, Jinkyun
  • Jung, Wondea

Abstract

Task complexity is one of the conceptual constructs that are critical to explain and predict human performance in human integrated systems. A basic approach to evaluating the complexity of tasks is to identify task complexity factors and measure them. Although a great deal of task complexity factors have been studied, there is still a lack of conceptual frameworks for identifying and organizing them analytically, which can be generally used irrespective of the types of domains and tasks. This study proposes a model-based approach to identifying and using task complexity factors, which has two facets—the design aspects of a task and complexity dimensions. Three levels of design abstraction, which are functional, behavioral, and structural aspects of a task, characterize the design aspect of a task. The behavioral aspect is further classified into five cognitive processing activity types. The complexity dimensions explain a task complexity from different perspectives, which are size, variety, and order/organization. Twenty-one task complexity factors are identified by the combination of the attributes of each facet. Identification and evaluation of task complexity factors based on this model is believed to give insights for improving the design quality of tasks. This model for complexity factors can also be used as a referential framework for allocating tasks and designing information aids. The proposed approach is applied to procedure-based tasks of nuclear power plants (NPPs) as a case study to demonstrate its use. Last, we compare the proposed approach with other studies and then suggest some future research directions.

Suggested Citation

  • Ham, Dong-Han & Park, Jinkyun & Jung, Wondea, 2012. "Model-based identification and use of task complexity factors of human integrated systems," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 33-47.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reensy:v:100:y:2012:i:c:p:33-47
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ress.2011.12.019
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Xu, Song & Li, Zhizhong & Song, Fei & Luo, Wei & Zhao, Qianyi & Salvendy, Gavriel, 2009. "Influence of step complexity and presentation style on step performance of computerized emergency operating procedures," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 94(2), pages 670-674.
    2. Jinkyun Park, 2009. "The Complexity of Proceduralized Tasks," Springer Series in Reliability Engineering, Springer, number 978-1-84882-791-2, December.
    3. Park, Jinkyun & Jung, Wondea, 2007. "A study on the development of a task complexity measure for emergency operating procedures of nuclear power plants," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 92(8), pages 1102-1116.
    4. Solodilova-Whiteley, Iya & Johnson, Peter, 2006. "Uncovering the information needs in complex aerospace systems," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 91(12), pages 1566-1575.
    5. Wears, Robert L. & Cook, Richard I. & Perry, Shawna J., 2006. "Automation, interaction, complexity, and failure: A case study," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 91(12), pages 1494-1501.
    6. Xu, Song & Song, Fei & Li, Zhizhong & Zhao, Qianyi & Luo, Wei & He, Xuhong & Salvendy, Gavriel, 2008. "An ergonomics study of computerized emergency operating procedures: Presentation style, task complexity, and training level," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 93(10), pages 1500-1511.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Sobhani, A. & Wahab, M.I.M. & Neumann, W.P., 2017. "Incorporating human factors-related performance variation in optimizing a serial system," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 257(1), pages 69-83.
    3. Ge, Xiangyu & Zhou, Qianxiang & Liu, Zhongqi, 2020. "Assessment of space station on-orbit maintenance task complexity," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 193(C).
    4. Ham, Dong-Han & Jung, Won-Jun & Park, Jinkyun, 2021. "Identifying key factors affecting the performance of team decision-making based on the analysis of investigation reports issued from diverse industries," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 206(C).
    5. Liu, Peng & Li, Zhizhong, 2014. "Comparison of task complexity measures for emergency operating procedures: Convergent validity and predictive validity," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 121(C), pages 289-293.
    6. Liu, Jianqiao & Zou, Yanhua & Wang, Wei & Zhang, Li & Liu, Xueyang & Ding, Qianqiao & Qin, Zhuomin & ÄŒepin, Marko, 2021. "Analysis of dependencies among performance shaping factors in human reliability analysis based on a system dynamics approach," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 215(C).
    7. Hendrik Stouten & Andreas Größler, 2017. "Task Complexity in Individual Stock Control Tasks for Laboratory Experiments on Human Understanding of Dynamic Systems," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(1), pages 62-77, January.

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