Flashcards on Human Resources and Job Design in Operations
Human Resources & Job Design in Operations: A Guide
Tap to flip · Swipe to navigate
Ergonomics
23 cards
Card 1
Question: What is ergonomics in the context of operations management?
Answer: The study of work that builds a good interface between humans, the environment, and machines.
Card 2
Question: Why is knowledge of people's capabilities and limitations important for managers?
Answer: Because managers must design jobs that can be done by humans who have exceptional capabilities and some limitations (hand/eye animals).
Card 3
Question: What is the origin of the word 'ergonomics'?
Answer: It comes from the Greek word 'ergon' meaning 'work'.
Card 4
Question: What is ergonomics (also called human factors)?
Answer: The study of the human interface with the environment and machines to improve human performance.
Card 5
Question: Why is understanding ergonomics important for design of tools and workplaces?
Answer: Because adults have limited configurations and abilities, so design must match what people can and cannot do to make jobs easier or possible.
Card 6
Question: What kinds of data have been collected to aid ergonomic design?
Answer: Basic strength and measurement data used to design tools and the workplace, plus computer modeling of human motions and efforts.
Card 7
Question: What operator capabilities must be evaluated when designing controls (hand tools, pedals, levers, buttons)?
Answer: Strength, reflexes, perception, and mental capacity needed to provide necessary control.
Card 8
Question: Give an example of an injury that can result from a poorly designed tool.
Answer: Carpal tunnel syndrome can result when a keyboard or other tool is poorly designed.
Card 9
Question: How should feedback to operators be provided?
Answer: Feedback should be provided by sight, sound, and feel and should be clear and reliable—not left to chance.
Card 10
Question: What role did poor feedback play in the Three Mile Island accident?
Answer: Poor feedback—nonfunctional, unclear instruments, inaccessible controls, and confusing warning lights—contributed to operator failure.