Evaluating timebands as a tool for structuring the design of socio-technical systems
G. Baxter, A. Burns and K. Tan
Structuring the design of a socio-technical system so that it fully meets its requirements is a complex problem. Typically, the system is described using hierarchical structures, but time is only represented as a single flat physical phenomenon. We have developed a framework that allows systems to be partitioned into a hierarchical series of time bands, such that the temporal properties can be adequately represented and exploited. We have used a simple scheduling model to evaluate the framework using sample scenarios from a case study in a neonatal unit. The results highlight: the importance of finding the right level of abstraction when identifying system activities; the need to ensure that appropriate precedences are allocated to activities that are part of larger procedures; and offer some support for the separation of concerns between bands.
BibTex Entry
@inproceedings{Baxter2007,
author = {G. Baxter and A. Burns and K. Tan},
booktitle = {Contemporary Ergonomics 2007},
editor = {P. Bust},
pages = {55--60},
publisher = {Taylor & Francis},
title = {Evaluating timebands as a tool for structuring the design of socio-technical systems},
year = {2007}
}