Principles of work system performance optimization: A business ergonomics approach

Recently, there has been a growing interest in optimizing performance in th e workplace. This interest is stimulated not only by economic and competiti ve pressures, but also by a growing awareness of the need to improve health and safety, thereby improving workplace wellness and vitality and, in turn , productivity. This article reviews the contributions of traditional appro aches to work system performance optimization. These approaches include sci entific management, work-time studies, industrial psychology, ergonomics, h uman factors, industrial engineering, total quality management, kaizen theo ry, systems theory, and operations research. The benefits, features, and dr awbacks of each approach are discussed and tabulated. A basis for a new com prehensive methodology of work system performance optimization called the b usiness ergonomics approach is then outlined and presented. (C) 1999 John W iley & Sons, Inc.