Cognitive Work Analysis (book)

Cognitive Work Analysis : towards safe, productive, and healthy computer-based work is an academic textbook by Kim Vicente that Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. published in 1999.

Contents

Part One - Introduction

In part one, Vicente provides the background, motivations and definitions for cognitive work analysis.

Part Two - Three Approaches to Work Analysis

In part two, Vicente outlines three approaches to work analysis: normative, descriptive and formative.

Part Three - Cognitive Work Analysis in Action

In part three, Vicente gives a process control case study and outlines the five phases of analysis: work domain, control task, strategies, social organization, and worker competencies.

Part Four - Final Words

In the final chapter in part four, Vicente summarizes cognitive work analysis and the importance and implications for using it in the global knowledge-based economy. He argues the benefits for safety, productivity, and health.

Reception

In Tim Ferris' review, he praises the extensive references and the engineering approach to usability and user interface. Both Tim and Gerard Tornvliet's reviews, criticize the lack of practical "how to" content to perform the relevant work analysis, or any related computer-based tools.

References