Reflecting on the human dimension of socio-technical systems

by Yvonne Toft

Introduction · Opening Occasion · Abstraction · Second Reflection · Universal · Conclusion · Rubric · Guide

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Introduction

What's the meaning of life? Why is beauty in the eye of the beholder? Is meat murder? These are the kinds of questions that ask people to look beneath the surface of everyday thinking. This kind of deeper thinking is called reflecting or introspection (looking within). The purpose of the following activity is to get you to reflect on the human dimensions of socio-technical engineering. But instead of just asking you to begin reflecting, we've found that the Internet has something to say on the subject. You'll use the Web to get your mind wrapped around the topic. Then you'll be given hints and ideas to help you extend your reflection. If you want an idea on how the quality of reflection can be assessed, read this evaluation rubric. But most of all, follow the twists and turns of your thinking.

The Opening Occasion

The world around us often sends a wake up call. Sometimes this is in the form of a new idea, a powerful emotion or that magic moment when something suddenly makes sense. Use the Web to explore the human dimensions of socio-technical engineering, consider the questions posed, look for the concepts that call to you personally. When you find something that sparks something inside, write a solid paragraph that describes the scene, example, information, image, or whatever related to the topic that was most powerful to you.

World Engineering Convention (WEC): Shanghai, November 2 to 6, 2004

Read this dialogue between international representatives. The forum participants discuss engineering responsibilities and ethics from a global perspective. Is there anything new being discussed here? Are you comfortable with all that has been said? If not, why not?

Responsibilities of engineers

Read this interesting address by Doug Jones (National Deputy President of Engineers Australia 2002-03). How does it differ and / or compliment the views expressed in the WEC forum? How does this paper sit with your views on the responsibilities of engineers?

Sustainable Engineering

Engineers can play an important role in sustainable development by planning and building projects that preserve natural resources, are cost-efficient and support human and natural environments. Compare how humans are considered in this address compared to the view presented by Jones (above). What conclusions do you draw and why?

Social and legal concerns

After reading this paper consider any limitations to the view presented in your last reading on sustainable engineering? What are the implications for the humans in 'sustainable engineering systems'?

Human Factors in Engineering Education

Why did Ontario Power Generation shut down seven nuclear plants, despite the dire economic and environmental consequences? Did they get it right? How do you feel about these actions?

Engineering design is a fundamental consideration in ‘sustainability’ – Where does ergonomics fit?

This paper discusses the interaction between engineering education, ergonomics and sustainability. How does this paper sit with your current knowledge of ergonomics? Can sustainability be achieved without knowledge of the way people interact with engineering systems? What can society reasonably expect of engineering professionals?

Highlighting the Abstraction

Looking more deeply at the description you just wrote, find the abstract idea that is at the heart of your reflection. In other words, what Big Idea, Truth or Emotion are you really writing about. Examples include things like 'ethical practice', 'responsibility' and 'justice'. Write a short paragraph (in the box below) that explains and highlights an abstraction you want to draw from this first reflection. What Big Idea, Truth or Emotion will you take with you about the human dimensions of socio-technical engineering?

The Second Reflection

Being able to reflect on important ideas, themes and emotions is critical to ethical and informed professional practice. Not everything is black and white, there are many shades of gray. Visit the links below. How do these links and ideas add or subtract from your first reflection? Did anything in the links below cause any new sparks? These links call on you to act as an individual professional rather than as a member of the profession generally, write another healthy paragraph that explores this different 'truth' and 'reality'.

National Generic Competency Standards

This document may be familiar to you. Have another look at Section 2 Unit PC2 Engineering Planning and Design. Are you comfortable with what is required? Does anything disturb you? Are you confident that the competency standard can deliver 'responsible engineering' (as described by Jones) in relation to individuals?

Engineers and Scientists as Moral Exemplars

Engineers go above and beyond what is strictly required (as defined by various competency standards) every day. What do you need to do to become a moral exemplar?

Socially Conscious Engineering: Engineers with a Vision

This paper by James Moody provides a model for socially conscious engineering. How can this be achieved and what part can you play?

Finding a Universal Truth

You began describing something that spoke to you about human dimensions in socio-technical engineering and went on to pull out one abstract idea, truth or emotion to focus on. Further reflection showed how 'truths' can sometimes look different when they call on you as an individual to act. Now comes the time to look at the big picture and share what you believe is the universal truth, the one that's most always true. Keep the deep thinking going and avoid the temptation to come up with a quick and easy answer. These are hardly ever accurate. Write out your ideas in a short paragraph.

Conclusion

At the beginning of this activity, you were invited to look at an evaluation rubric and told to follow the twists and turns of your thinking. You've done this by looking closely at important aspects of topics related to human dimensions of socio-technical engineering. But reflection works best when the writer also looks at his or her own thought processes. We're not so interested in the 'answer' you came up with as seeing how your mind worked through the process. In the final paragraph, show us the highlights of what went on in your mind that guided your reflection. At what points did the lights go on? When did it seem confusing? What led you to your final universal truth?

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created by Yvonne Toft email: y.toft@cqu.edu.au http://web-and-flow.com/members/ytoft/topic1/reflector.htm