Assignment

Question 1

Communication is a key factor to successfully completing a task, especially if others are involved in the task completion. In an essay, discuss the items that can go wrong with a communication system. Discuss the elements of a communication system and what the ultimate impact might be due to some sort of failure.

Question 2

The amount of information can sometimes hamper the outcome expected by the end user. In other words, clutter can hinder the intended message. One example of clutter (or too much information) is prescription-drug packaging. Explain why it is important for ergonomics professionals to understand the concept of clutter or "too much information".

Question 3

The communication of the message from the man to the machine is one factor to be considered. The other factor is the communication of the responding message from the machine to the man. Consider the word processor (i.e., Microsoft Word) you are currently using. In an essay, discuss how you are commanding the machine to do certain things and how the machine is responding to the commands. Discuss how this could go wrong and what could be done to prevent a failure from occurring. If the machine fails, how do you ensure that the work is completed?

Question 4

Continuing to draw upon our examples highlighted in Unit I, Beth continues to develop headaches while at work. Remember, she is an administrative assistant and works in a new office building, which has produced significant odors relating to the combination of construction materials. And this is the presumed source of the headaches. Because this has become a workers compensation issue, you are asked to look into the employee's setup for her work station. Discuss this situation using both the feedback mechanisms and also the controlling mechanisms as they pertain to Beth's individual circumstance.