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Today, technology design, technology use, and organizational structures in enterprises can no longer be regarded as isolated from each other because they are highly correlated in networks, which become increasingly complex and dynamic. Enterprises must be understood as sociotechnical systems that consist of human and technical subsystems and their relations with each other. They can be analyzed by referring to the concept of self-similarity (or fractals). In (re)designing such systems, modeling and simulation methods are needed. This report describes a method that combines two different simulation methods. They can be integrated to model and simulate complex sociotechnical systems as a whole. The method has been developed by modeling and simulating computer-supported cooperation and communication along the logistic chain in intermodal traffic (train–truck freight transportation). © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During recent years, developments in production seem to have shown a strong orientation toward Finding the best technical solution to a problem. Frequently, there has been little consideration of people concerned. This approach may be called ‘technocentric.’ In contrast to this approach, it may be feasible to look for solutions which balance the advantages of a merely technical solution, and the skills and competencies of people. Systems of this latter kind may be called ‘human-centered.’ Such systems support flexible production processes based on skill-based workplaces and group work, and they are embedded into flat hierarchical structures in industry. They are increasingly considered viable in economic terms. This article discusses the concept of human-centered systems in some detail. It suggests the dual design approach as a tool to design such systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduces a series of articles related to human factors, ergonomics and sociotechnical systems.