In complex sociotechnical systems, cognitive and social humans use technology to make sense of situations when making decisions. These elements make sociotechnical systems difficult to develop. A modelling and assessment methodology for systems engineering is required to understand the sociotechnical system's behaviour and underlying structure. Modelling captures the dynamic interaction, as well as the effect of humans in a complex environment. Cognitive Work Analysis and System Dynamics are two complementary approaches applied in mutual support within this context. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate a modelling methodology for complex sociotechnical systems, in order to support the systems engineering process.
OPSOMMINGIn komplekse sosio-tegniese stelsels, gebruik kognitiewe en sosiale mense tegnologie om situasies te verstaan en besluite te neem. Hierdie elemente maak sosio-tegniese stelsels moeilik om te ontwikkel. 'n Modellering en assessering metodologie vir stelselingenieurswese is nodig om die gedrag van die sosio-tegniese stelsel en onderliggende struktuur te verstaan. Modellering implementeer die dinamiese interaksie sowel as die effek van die mens in 'n komplekse omgewing. Kognitiewe werkanalise en Stelseldinamika is twee aanvullende benaderings wat binne hierdie konteks toegepas is in wedersydse ondersteuning. Hierdie artikel demonstreer 'n modellering metodologie vir komplekse sosiotegniese stelsels om die stelselsingenieurswese proses te ondersteun.
INTRODUCTIONThe development of complex sociotechnical systems (STS) often consists of integrating new technology into existing systems through the application of systems engineering (SE) processes. Standard SE processes can struggle with complex STS, which exhibit dynamic behaviour as many unintended or unpredicted consequences may be experienced. The new artefact often leads to new task possibilities that evolve user requirements [1]. To overcome these difficulties, SE can apply modelling to explore structural, functional, and operational elements of the problem and solution space [2].STS theory, as developed by Trist [3], provides a framework for modelling and analysing complex systems. STS consists of humans applying technology to perform work through a process within a social structure (organisation) to achieve a defined objective [4,5]. Work can become complex due to dynamic interaction between the people themselves, between people and technology, and between people and the environment.The central aim of this paper is to demonstrate a modelling methodology for complex STS in support of the SE process. First, some background will be provided on the development of the modelling methodology before the model is demonstrated.