Human Factors in Practice ─ Concepts and Applications

Human Factors in Practice: Concepts and Applications is written for the practitioner who wishes to learn about human factors (HF) but is more interested in application (applied research) than theory (basic research). Each chapter discusses the application of important human factors theories, principles and concepts, presented at a level that can be easily understood by layman readers with no prior knowledge or formal education in human factors. The book illustrates to the non-HF practitioner the many varied domains in which human factors has been applied as well as serving to showcase current research in these areas. All chapters address the common overarching theme of applying human factors theories, principles and concepts to address real-world problems, and follow a similar structure to ensure consistency across chapters. Standard sections within each chapter include a discussion of the scientific underpinnings, a description of relevant HF methods and guidance on sources of further information, case studies to illustrate application, and a summary of likely future trends. Each chapter concludes with a short list of key terms and definitions to enhance the reader’s understanding of the content. Featuring specialist contributors from a variety of disciplines and cultural backgrounds, the book represents a diverse range of perspectives on human factors and will appeal to a broad international audience. It is consciously not a classroom textbook but rather intended to be read at the workplace by non-HF practitioners, and written specifically with their needs in mind. Reading this book will give all practitioners a solid grounding in modern human factors and its application in real-world situations.

Haydee M. Cuevas is an Assistant Professor in the College of Aviation Department of Doctoral Studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), Daytona Beach, FL. Prior to joining ERAU, she worked for over 7 years as a Research Scientist at SA Technologies, Inc. She has a Ph.D. in Applied Experimental and Human Factors Psychology from the University of Central Florida. She has over 15 years of experience as a human factors researcher investigating a broad range of human performance issues in complex operational environments and has worked on numerous Department of Defense, government, and industry-funded projects, with external funding (as Principal Investigator or collaborator) totaling over $2.9 million. She served as the Associate Editor / Administrative Liaison on two Journal of Cognitive Engineering and Decision Making special issues: "Improving Human-Robot Interaction in Complex Operational Environments: Translating Theory into Practice" (2011) and "Exploring Cognitive Readiness in Complex Operational Environments: Advances in Theory and Practice" (2012-2013). She has also served as an ad-hoc reviewer for various journals, including: Cognitive Technology; Ergonomics; Human Factors; IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics--Part C: Applications and Reviews; Journal of Cognitive Engineering and Decision Making; Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied; Journal of Human Performance in Extreme Environments; Military Psychology; and Pragmatics & Cognition. Jonathan VelA!zquez is an Assistant Professor and Assessment Coordinator for the entire aviation program at the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico. He recently led the aviation department's efforts towards achieving accreditation from the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) for the Professional Pilot Program, making his school the first Latin American aviation program to achieve such recognition. He is also part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Safety Team. In 2013, he won the FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year Award for the San Juan/Caribbean region. He has published in professional journals on topics that range from aviation education, aviation safety, and aviation law and aeromedical factors. He holds a Master in Educational Arts degree in University Teaching from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico - Metropolitan Campus and a B.S. in Professional Pilot and a B.S. in Aviation Management, both from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico - Bayamon Campus. He is currently a doctoral candidate in the Ph.D. in Aviation program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI) and Commercial Pilot with category ratings in airplane single engine and multiengine land instrument.