Human performance modeling for system of systems analytics: combat performance-shaping factors.

WinCrew is a human performance assessment tool developed by the Army Research Laboratory, Human Research and Engineering Directorate that implements the Wickens' Theory of Multiple Resources. WinCrew supports the hierarchical decomposition of missions into functions and tasks. As a demonstration of the capability of WinCrew, simulation models of the activities performed by bridge personnel on a Navy Guided Missile Destroyer DDG51 were developed. The scenarios were chosen to illustrate the potential of task network based human performance modeling to address reduced manning issues for naval ship operations. In order to fully exercise the functionality of WinCrew, four bridge models were developed. One scenario was modeled for four different manning, automation, and task allocation configurations. The scenario modeled was entry into San Diego Harbor. The major events for the bridge team were: bearing fixes, gyro error checks, turns, precision anchoring, and obstacle avoidance. Results of the effort demonstrated the utility of workload modeling for assessing human system integration alternatives for shipboard manning.

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Understanding aviation operators’ variability in advanced systems

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology ◽

10.1108/aeat-03-2021-0065 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Maria Papanikou ◽

Utku Kale ◽

András Nagy ◽

Konstantinos Stamoulis

Keyword(s):

Human Performance ◽

Situational Awareness ◽

Air Traffic ◽

Content Type ◽

Homogeneous Groups ◽

Professional Groups ◽

Performance Shaping Factors ◽

Generational Changes ◽

And Performance ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to identify variability in aviation operators in order to gain greater understanding of the changes in aviation professional groups. Research has commonly addressed human factors and automation in broad categories according to a group’s function (e.g., pilots, air traffic controllers [ATCOs], engineers). Accordingly, pilots and Air Traffic Controls (ATCOs) have been treated as homogeneous groups with a set of characteristics. Currently, critical themes of human performance in light of systems’ developments place the emphasis on quality training for improved situational awareness (SA), decision-making and cognitive load. Design/methodology/approach As key solutions centre on the increased understanding and preparedness of operators through quality training, the authors deploy an iterative mixed methodology to reveal generational changes of pilots and ATCOs. In total, 46 participants were included in the qualitative instrument and 70 in the quantitative one. Preceding their triangulation, the qualitative data were analysed using NVivo and the quantitative analysis was aided through descriptive statistics. Findings The results show that there is a generational gap between old and new generations of operators. Although positive views on advanced systems are being expressed, concerns about cognitive capabilities in the new systems, training and skills gaps, workload and role implications are presented. Practical implications The practical implications of this study extend to different profiles of operators that collaborate either directly or indirectly and that are critical to aviation safety. Specific implications are targeted on automation complacency, bias and managing information load, and training aspects where quality training can be aided by better understanding the occupational transitions under advanced systems. Originality/value In this paper, the authors aimed to understand the changing nature of the operators’ profession within the advanced technological context, and the perceptions and performance-shaping factors of pilots and ATCOs to define the generational changes.

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