Using cognitive work analysis to identify competencies for human factors and ergonomics practitioners

Abstract

While several competency frameworks have been proposed for Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) practitioners, these are not commonly based on structured analyses. The aim of this research was to develop a sociotechnical systems model of the HFE practitioner role in Australia and identify the competencies required to fulfil the role. Study One applied the Work Domain Analysis phase of cognitive work analysis (CWA) to model the HFE practitioner role. Model refinement was undertaken with seven subject matter experts. In Study Two, the model was used to elicit the competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, other characteristics) required for successful performance, via a survey of 28 HFE practitioners. Most competencies related to skills (i.e. communication skills) and knowledge (i.e. domain knowledge). Gaps in competencies were also identified, linked to a lack of HFE education pathways in Australia. The findings have practical utility for designing HFE practitioner roles and educational programs.

Practitioner summary: Cognitive work analysis provided a structured analysis of the role of the Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) practitioner and to support the identification of competencies. The results suggest that HFE practitioners are generalists rather than specialists and have implications for the job design and education of HFE practitioners.

Abbreviations: BCPE: board of certification in professional ergonomics; CIEHF: chartered institute of ergonomics and human factors; CWA: cognitive work analysis; HFE: human factors and ergonomics; HFESA: human factors and ergonomics society of Australia; IEA: International Ergonomics Association; KSAO: knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics; O*NET: occupation information network; SME: subject matter expert; SRK: skills, rules, knowledge; UK: United Kingdom; USA: United States of America; WDA: work domain analysis

Keywords:

• Cognitive work analysis
• competencies
• job design
• practitioners
• work domain analysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Acknowledgements

This research was performed in partial fulfillment of Katie Schultz’s honours degree in Social Science (Psychology) at the School of Social Sciences at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Notes

1 In Australia, an honours degree is usually a one-year research program undertaken after completing a bachelor’s degree in the same discipline. Involves completion of a research thesis.

2 Executive masters refers to a format of a masters program designed specifically for working professionals/executives. Generally does not include a significant research component.

Additional information

Funding

Dr Gemma Read’s contribution to this work was funded by the Australian Research Council [DE180101449]. Professor Paul Salmon’s contribution to this work was funded by the Australian Research Council [FT140100681].