Task allocation

PROGRAM SPECIFICATIONS MAIN The tasks allocated to the main module are ... 

A simpler and general discrete time scheduling formulation can also be derived by means of the Resource Task Network concept proposed by Pantelides [10], The major advantage of the RTN formulation over the STN counterpart arises in some problems involving many identical pieces of equipment. In these cases, the RTN formulation introduces a single binary variable instead of the multiple variables used by the STN model. The RTN-based model also covers all the features at the column on discrete time in Table 8.1. In order to deal with different types of resources in a uniform way, this approach requires only three different classes of constraints in terms ofthree types of variables defining the task allocation, the batch size, and the resource availability. Briefly, this model reduces the batch scheduling problem to a simple resource balance problem carried out in each predefined time period. 

Employee is experiencing temporary task overload, due to defects in the scheduling and task allocation system, and/or due to ineffective implementation of downsizing... 

Gordon, D.M. (1999). Interaction patterns and task allocation in ant colonies. In Information Processing in Social Insects, ed. C. Detrain, J.M. Pasteels and J.L. Deneubourg. Basel, Switzerland Birkhauser, pp.51-67. 

Gordon, D. M. and Mehdiabadi, N. (1999). Encounter rate and task allocation in harvester ants. Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol., 45, 310-ill. 

Edwin W. H. lager, Olle Inganads and Ingemar Lundstrom, Microrobots for micro-meter-size objects in aqueous media potential tools for single-cell manipulation. Science, 288 (2000), 2335-2338. Michael J. B. Krieger, Jean-Bernard Billeter and Laurent Keller, Ant-like task allocation and recruitment in cooperative robots. Nature, 406 (2000), 992-995. 

Michael 1. B. Krieger, Jean-Bemard Bdleter and Laurent Keller, Ant-like task allocation and recruitment in cooperative robots. Nature, 406 (2000), 992-995. 

Strict task requirements can complicate or make infeasible appropriate task allocation Highly repetitive tasks are generally appropriate for automation deahng with the unexpected or cognitively complex tasks are generally appropriate for humans Users mental models may uncover expected allocation schemes... 

Use hierarchies can be used to visuedize the allocation of tasks among workers. By using sticky notes to represent each node in the hieiarchy, these representations can be used to demonstrate the before- and after-task allocations. The benefits of the new task eillocation engendered by the interactive system design should be readily perceived in hierarchical flow changes. 

Implementation of sound design practices, including the use of requirements definition, user profile development, tasks analysis, and task allocation Setting usability objectives that focus around effectiveness, intuitiveness, and subjective perception Iterative usability evaluation Identification of users mental models Identification of appropriate metaphors... 

Sheridan, T. B. (1997a), Task Analysis, Task Allocation and Supervisory Control, in Handbook of Human-Computer Interaction 2nd Ed., M. Helander, T. K. Landauer, and P. V. Prabhu, Eds., North-HoUand, Amsterdam, pp. 87-105. 

How long will it take a human or team of humans to perform a set of tasks as a function of system design, task allocation, and individual capabilities ... 

In this section, we will examine two case studies in the use of task network simulation for studying human performance issues. The first case study explores how task network modeling can be used to assess task allocation issues in a cognitively demanding environment. The second example explores how task network modeling has been used to extend laboratory and field research on human performance under stress to new task environments. 

This section discusses a study using task network modeling to predict the impact of task allocation on human workload. While these examples are posed in the context of the design of a military system, the same techniques have been used in nonmilitary applications such as process control and user-computer interface design. 

Since one purpose of the model was to examine various task-allocation strategies, the model was designed to incorporate several measures of crew member workload. The basis of this technique is an assumption that excessive human workload is not usually caused by one particular task required of the operator. Rather, the human having to perform several tasks simultaneously leads to overload. Since the factors that cause this type of workload are intricately linked to these dynamic aspects of the human s task requirements, task network modeling provides a good basis for studying how task allocation and sequencing can affect operator workload. 

Task assignment Is there a procedure in place to stop new employees being given tasks which other employees see as undesirable and which could potentially be risky Task allocation is controlled by management... 

In modern human-machine systems, task assignments maybe adaptive or blended rather than strictly allocated. The information-processing capabilities of modem machines often includes some form of task knowledge and reasoning capabilities that provide for an adaptive task allocation that shifts the task demands on the basis of contextual variables. Also, in many cases human performance is augmented by (blended with) machine performance to accomplish a given task. 

The concept of optimal usability is more complex. An optimized design will allow users maximal use of their performance and skill resources, allocated at their discretion to the apphcation task, to maximize their performance on the application task. Thus an optimal design minimizes the resources required to perform the interaction task and enhances the utiKty of the user s resources in performing the apphcation task. This means that the interface will support the user in performing the portion of the apphcation task allocated to the user. This is accomphshed through apphcation-level design issues associated with the organization and level of objects, actions, and information. 

To improve task structure, human-machine interfece, and task allocation. 

Computer makes task allocation decisions based upon die EEG and feedback condition... 

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