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Using cognitive work analysis to identify competencies for human factors and ergonomics practitioners
Gemma J M Read1, Katie Schultz2, Natassia Goode1,3
1Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Australia.
Ergonomics
|July 16, 2021
Summary
This study developed a sociotechnical systems model for Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) practitioners in Australia, identifying key skills and knowledge. Findings highlight a need for improved HFE education pathways and suggest practitioners are generalists.
Area of Science:
- Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE)
- Sociotechnical Systems Theory
- Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA)
Background:
- Existing Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) competency frameworks often lack structured analysis.
- There is a need for a defined model of the HFE practitioner role, particularly in Australia.
- Understanding core competencies is crucial for professional development and educational program design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a sociotechnical systems model of the HFE practitioner role in Australia.
- To identify the essential knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (KSAOs) required for HFE practitioners.
- To inform the design of HFE roles and educational initiatives.
Main Methods:
- Study One: Applied Work Domain Analysis (WDA) from Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA) to model the HFE role, refined by subject matter experts (SMEs).
- Study Two: Utilized the developed model to survey 28 HFE practitioners to elicit required competencies (KSAOs).
- Data analysis focused on identifying prevalent skills and knowledge areas, as well as competency gaps.
Main Results:
- The developed sociotechnical systems model provides a structured representation of the HFE practitioner role.
- Identified competencies are predominantly in the areas of communication skills and domain knowledge.
- Significant gaps in HFE competencies were linked to a scarcity of formal HFE education programs in Australia.
- HFE practitioners were characterized more as generalists than specialists.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA) offers a robust method for structured role analysis and competency identification in Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE).
- The findings underscore the generalist nature of HFE practitioners and have direct implications for job design.
- Addressing identified competency gaps requires the development of targeted HFE educational pathways in Australia.
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