A Systemic-Structural Theory of Activity Applications to Human Performance and Work Design

While its importance is widely recognized, the theoretical basis and practical applications of Activity Theory have not yet been firmly established in the field of human factors and ergonomics, experimental, and work psychology. This book presents the foundations of the systemic-structural theory of human activity. It contains multiple practical examples of systemic-structural theory of activity analyses, including a study of production operations in the manufacturing environment, system safety evaluation, work improvement, equipment design, robot system performance, and design of human/computer interaction tasks in the context of training, efficiency, work motivation, fatigue, personality, and individual style of performance.

The last several decades have demonstrated dramatic technological changes that influence work conditions in all applied domains, including manufacturing, transportation, and human-computer interactions. These changes require new approaches to the study of human performance. Activity theory, in particular has become increasingly popular with those who study human work dynamics. A Systemic-Structural Theory of Activity: Applications to Human Performance and Work Design discusses general activity theory (AT) and introduces systematic structural activity theory (SSAT) and its applications to the study of human work. The book contains multiple practical examples of systemic-structural theory of activity analyses, including a study of production operations in the manufacturing environment, system safety evaluation, work improvement, equipment design, and robot system performance. It also provides examples of the design of human/computer interaction tasks, training, efficiency, work motivation, fatigue, personality, and individual style of performance. This book addresses the wide audience of psychologists working in fields such as Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Experimental, and Cognitive Psychology. It can also be of use to computer science specialists and other professionals who study human work activity and education.

Activity-Oriented Approaches in Psychology. Systemic-Structural Theory of Activity and Design. Time Study and Design. Complexity of Task Performance.  Foundations of Functional Analysis of Activity. Functional Analysis of Orienting Activity. Study of Personality in Activity Theory. References. Glossary. Authors Index. Subject Index.

Gregory Bedny, Sc.D., Ph.D. is a faculty member at Essex County College in New Jersey, USA. He is a Board Certified Professional Ergonomist (BCPE), and is a member of the International Academy of Human Problems in Aviation and Astronautics (Russia) and a member of the Editorial Board of several international journals. He has authored over 90 scientific publications, including four monographs and several university textbooks. His research focuses on Experimental and Industrial/Organizational Psychology as well as Ergonomics. He also developed Systematic-Structural Activity Theory which he has applied to the design of man-machine systems, human-computer interaction, safety, education and training, work motivation, and efficiency of performance. Waldemar Karwowski, Sc.D. Ph.D., C.P.E., P.E., is a Professor of Industrial Engineering and Director of the Center for Industrial Ergonomics at the University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA. He is a Board Certified Professional Ergonomist and has served as Secretary General and President of the International Ergonomists Association. Dr. Karwowski is the author or co-author of over 300 scientific publications, including over 100 peer-reviewed archival journal papers. His research focuses on human-system integration and safety aspects of advanced manufacturing enterprises, human-computer interaction, prevention of work-related muscular disorders, and theoretical aspects of ergonomics science.