Work domain analysis for intentional systems

JR Hajdukiewicz, CM Burns…�- Proceedings of the�…, 1999 - journals.sagepub.com
JR Hajdukiewicz, CM Burns, KJ Vicente, RG Eggleston
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual�…, 1999journals.sagepub.com
Work domain analysis (WDA) is an approach developed by Rasmussen (1985) for
representing the structure of complex work environments. Many examples of the approach
have surfaced in the literature, predominantly of physically coupled causal systems (eg,
process control). For causal systems, the environment is strongly constrained by the laws of
nature. This approach can also be used for representing intentional systems (eg, military
command and control), although there is some controversy on this issue. For intentional�…
Work domain analysis (WDA) is an approach developed by Rasmussen (1985) for representing the structure of complex work environments. Many examples of the approach have surfaced in the literature, predominantly of physically coupled causal systems (e.g., process control). For causal systems, the environment is strongly constrained by the laws of nature. This approach can also be used for representing intentional systems (e.g., military command and control), although there is some controversy on this issue. For intentional systems, the environment is strongly constrained by actors' intentions, values, and priorities of practice. This paper discusses the differences between causal and intentional systems and provides direction on how to proceed with a WDA for intentional systems. A WDA is presented for emergency ambulance dispatch management and military command and control to illustrate the approach. Finally, a discussion of the implications and future research recommendations are presented.
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