The application of cognitive simulation techniques to work measurement and methods analysis of production control tasks

The implementation of flexible control in production and manufacturing operations has resulted in jobs largely consisting of cognitive tasks in which performance is determined by worker goals, knowledge, and transient task-related conditions. As has been the case for traditional jobs that are characterized by predictable and/or repetitive operations, jobs that emphasize cognitive tasks also require examination. This paper presents cognitive simulation as a promising tool for work measurement and methods analysis of the cognitive tasks found within such jobs. Levels of performance, taxonomies of tasks, and the sequencing of elemental tasks are discussed from this perspective. It is noted that existing techniques for developing cognitive simulations have important similarities to the knowledge acquisition methods used to develop expert systems. Several representative techniques and their application are then discussed in terms of their potential value to work measurement and methods analysis.