Mar 29, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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IE 4621 - Socio-Technical Systems

3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
Course Description
Socio-technical Systems (STS) is a method that might be used to analyze manufacturing and service jobs, as well as entire organizations through the study of classical theories and techniques of management and organizational behavior (i.e., Frederick Taylor’s Scientific Management, Elton Mayo’s Human Relations, etc.), as well as more recent developments related to quality of working life, change management, and the macro-ergonomic analysis and design process. This course includes analysis of both social and technical systems within an organization in an effort to improve the design and functionality of the entire system. (prereq: IE 3621  or SS 464 , junior standing)
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Describe what engineering socio-technical systems means, what it covers, and what shaped it as a profession
  • Understand socio-technical systems engineering theory
  • Understand how to apply the socio-technical systems theory and analytical methods to design or assist in the redesign of an organization
  • Understand how to conduct a socio-technical systems analysis of a work process
  • Understand how different leadership skills impact team/group performance
  • Understand how organizational culture impacts employee morale and performance
  • Understand the impact of motivation and satisfaction on team/group performance

Prerequisites by Topic
  • None

Course Topics
  • Open and other systems
  • History of socio-technical systems
  • Socio-technical systems - The environment
  • Socio-technical systems - The social system
  • Socio-technical systems - The technical system
  • Socio-technical system design, redesign and analysis
  • Macro-ergonomics and organizational design and participation
  • Socio-technical applications and case studies

Coordinator
Dr. Leah Newman



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