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   krishna-agrawala Teacher
   Graduate School

   eNotes Editor

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   Task analysis in ergonomics refers to process of identifying and analyzing in detail the tasks involved in work activities performed by people.

   The process of task analysis starts with listing of all the tasks that must be performed by humans to accomplish the function under consideration. Each task is then broken down into its constituent steps. Each of these steps is analyzed in detail.

   The analysis of steps within the task involves determination of details such as:

   • Stimuli than initiate the step
   • Decision that humans need to make in performing the step
   • Action required during the step
   • Information used in carrying out the step
   • Output information generated by the step
   • Potential sources of error.
   • Potential sources of error
   • Criterion for successful performance

   In addition to stepwise analysis, task criticality and difficulty are assessed. Also the number and skill levels of people required to carry out the task is ascertained. When appropriate the additional training required by current employees is also assessed.

   Task analysis helps to design and develop systems that are efficient and safe, and can be operated and maintained in a given environment. It helps to determine the manpower requirements and to design and deliver training programs for imparting necessary skill and knowledge to operators required to operate the system. It is the basis for designing machine human interface. It also helps to design a system for evaluation of effective performance of the system. The detailed information generated as part of task analysis is very helpful in developing instruction manuals and job aids.

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   Posted by krishna-agrawala on Wednesday November 11, 2009 at 8:27 AM