IND 4621 - Sociotechnical Systems Engineering

3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits

Course Description
Socio-technical Systems (STS) is a method that may 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 (e.g., 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 macro-ergonomic analysis and design process. This course includes analysis of both social and technical systems within an organization to improve the design and functionality of the entire system. (prereq: IND 3600 or instructor consent) (quarter system prereq: IE 3621 or SS 464 or instructor consent)

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
Explain socio-technical systems engineering theory
Demonstrate how to apply and critique the socio-technical systems theory and analytical methods to design or assist in the redesign of an organization
Demonstrate how to conduct a socio-technical systems analysis of a work process
Discuss and explain how different leadership skills impact team/group performance
Discuss and explain how organizational culture impacts employee morale and performance
Discuss and explain the impact of motivation and satisfaction on team/group performance
Practice socio-technical systems analysis, modeling, and design tools and techniques
Understand the ethical considerations within which socio-technical systems design occurs, including diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect, as well as power differences

Prerequisites by Topic

Basic knowledge and understanding of human factors engineering including the systems approach to solving problems

Course Topics

History of socio-technical systems and socio-technical challenges
Open versus closed systems and systems thinking
Socio-technical systems - the environment
Socio-technical systems - the social system
Ethics in socio-technical systems design
Diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and respect
Socio-technical systems - the technical system
Technology and social relationships
Technology and the workplace
Concerns regarding data sciences
Socio-technical system design, redesign, and analysis
Macro-ergonomics and organizational design and participation
Ethics in socio-technical systems design
Diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and respect
Socio-technical applications and case studies

Coordinator
Dr. Leah Newman

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IND 4621 - Sociotechnical Systems Engineering