what-when-how
In Depth Tutorials and Information
13.4.2 Applicability of STWT.............................................................321
13.4.2.1 JAD ..........................................................................321
13.4.2.2 Scenario-Based Techniques.......................................321
13.4.2.3 Contextual Design....................................................322
13.5 Conclusion .............................................................................................322
References .........................................................................................................323
13.1 Introduction
his chapter introduces some design tools of practical sociotechnical systems. As
we know, sociotechnical systems theory is an approach to recognize the interactions
between people and technologies in complex organizational societies in real human
world. In this chapter, first, the analysis of sociotechnical systems is introduced,
which includes seven innovative methods proposed in Reference 1. Robustness is
a critical factor for sociotechnical systems that affects the stability of the systems.
How to investigate the robustness of a sociotechnical system is then included.
Finally, some design procedures of sociotechnical systems are discussed.
13.2 AnalysisofSociotechnicalSystems[1]
How do we analyze sociotechnical systems? In this chapter, seven novel tools to analyze
the sociotechnical activities are introduced, which are based on ICT (information and
communication technologies) [1]. Sociotechnical systems are closely connected with
dynamic and creative activities. All human activities are conducted by tools, and the
ICT-based tools are interesting if they are used in sociotechnical systems. Seven novel
ICT-based tools are introduced briefly and support the complex decision-making pro-
cesses. New tools can also be added into the suite of the seven ICT-based tools.
13.2.1 Zing: A Facilitated Group Decision
Support System [2]
Zing is a groupware system that allows a group of people to communicate, discuss,
and solve problems together. he system permits multiple PC or laptop keyboards
to control the cursors, and creates individual screens for each group member. It is
convenient for group discussion. he screen displays a topic in the window, which
notifies all the group members of what the problem is. Twelve private windows are
given at the bottom, which allows the group members to type their own opinions,
ideas, and comments in the private windows. When they feel ready, they can ire up
the messages to the public window, and then all the other group members can see the
speakers' ideas. Figure 13.1 illustrates such basic ideas. he talk progress can be stored
for further reference. It is clear that this tool is suitable for group discussion and deci-
sion making. It can be used in school and small groups easily over the Web.
