Socio-technical systems thinking has predominantly been applied to the domains of new technology and work design over the past 60 years. Whilst it has made an impact, we argue that we need to be braver, encouraging the approach to evolve and extend its reach. In particular, we need to: extend our conceptualization of what constitutes a system; apply our thinking to a much wider range of complex problems and global challenges; and engage in more predictive work. To illustrate our agenda in novel domains, we provide examples of socio-technical perspectives on the management of crowd events and environmental sustainability. We also outline a research and development agenda to take the area forward. Highlights A wider conceptualization of what constitutes a system, e.g., crowd events.  A wider range of applications, to include global challenges, e.g., sustainability.  Framework for more predictive analysis, e.g., to identify and mitigate risks.  Retrospective case studies to generate lessons for use predictively.  Research and development agenda to advance socio-technical practice. KeywordsSystems; Crowds; Sustainability; Prediction 3 IntroductionSocio-technical systems theory has enjoyed around 60 years of development and application internationally by both researchers and practitioners (e.g., Baxter & Sommerville, 2011; Carayon, 2006;Cherns, 1976Cherns, , 1987Clegg, 2000;Eason, 1988Eason, , 2007 Mumford, 1983Mumford, , 2006Pasmore & King, 1978;Trist & Bamforth, 1951;van Eijnatten, 1997;Waterson, 2005). The over-arching philosophy, embracing the joint design and optimization of organizational systems (incorporating both social and technical elements), has maintained its practical relevance and has seen increasing recognition and acceptance by audiences outside the social sciences (Eason, 2008). Such successes can be attributed, in part, to the continuing evolution of sociotechnical systems thinking and practice.In this paper, we argue that people engaged in socio-technical thinking need to extend their conceptualizations of 'systems', apply the core ideas to new domains reaching beyond the traditional focus on new technologies, and, at the same time, become involved in predictive work. The underlying call is to be braver in all three respects.To these ends, we first reflect upon the progress of socio-technical systems thinking to-date and the impact it has achieved. We then make the case for extending socio-technical systems theory to new domains. To do this, we describe a framework for socio-technical analyzis and design which we use to provide two illustrative examples of its application in novel settings. In each of the examples we identify the potential and importance of undertaking predictive work. We then outline a research and development agenda that will help take the domain forward. We argue that the application of socio-technical thinking to new areas may help address significant contemporary challenges, thereby extending our social impact and reach, and, at the same time, offering opportunit...

The use of smartphones and applications or 'apps' in clinical practice among nurses and doctors is on the increase. This article discusses the results of a survey undertaken as part of a service improvement project to develop an 'app' for use by junior doctors. The survey asked nurses and doctors to share information about how they used their smartphones at work, what they used them for and how and if they risk assessed the apps they use. Responses from 82 nurses and 334 doctors show a high level of users of text books, formularies, clinical decision tools and calculators, with less than one quarter of these users performed any risk assessment before use.

AimsTo consider the value proposition of digitisation of clinical immunohistochemistry services, and to develop an approach to digital immunohistochemistry implementation and validation in a large clinical laboratory.MethodsA methodology for slide scanning in the laboratory was developed, in addition to a novel validation exercise, to allow pathologists to identify the strengths and weaknesses of digital immunohistochemistry reporting, and train in digital immunohistochemistry slide assessment.ResultsA total of 1480 digital immunohistochemistry slides were assessed by 24 consultant pathologists, with complete clinical concordance between the digital and the glass slide assessment observed. Certain stains were identified as being difficult/time consuming to assess using ×20 digital slides. These stains were rescanned at ×40, which improved the confidence of the pathologists to make a digital assessment. Full digitisation of immunohistochemistry slides was achieved, introducing six new steps into the pre-existing laboratory workflow.ConclusionsWhile initially encountering challenges in terms of workflow, our experience showed that a well-designed, adequately resourced and well-managed scanning process can minimise the delay in slides being made available for review. Our approach to validation highlighted the need for careful assessment of a digital pathology system and scanning protocols before pathologists are expected to transfer from the light microscope to the digital microscope for routine immunohistochemistry assessment.

Job design has been of long‐standing practical and theoretical interest to students of organizational behavior (OB). This article summarizes developments in job design theory from the early twentieth century to the present day, describes the most influential theoretical models, and identifies recent developments such as job crafting. Recommendations are made as to how job design theory needs to evolve to meet challenges in contemporary workplaces, with particular emphasis on the need to utilize different research designs and methods in order to advance knowledge and theory in this key area.