Air traffic control work system design to improve operator performance with workload approach and safety concept

Authors

  • Dian Restuputri University of Muhammadiyah Malang
  • Siti Fatimah University of Muhammadiyah Malang
  • Ahmad Mubin University of Muhammadiyah Malang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30656/jsmi.v6i2.4582

Keywords:

Air traffic control, Mental workload, NASA-TLX, Performance, Environment

Abstract

ATC (Air Traffic Control) is considered one of the most demanding jobs. This profession is considered a job with high mental workload due to its high-stress level and great responsibility. This study designed a suitable work system to improve operator performance by measuring the mental workload and the physical environment using the NASA-TLX method and safety concept by considering variables affecting the operator’s perfor­mance. This study also searched for the impact of mental workload on the work environment, the mental workload on performance, and the work environment on performance. Questionnaires were distributed to operators, and validation and verification tests were carried out using SPSS. At the PLS method's processing stage, the variables used in this study consisted of the dependent (Y) and independent (X) variables. The dependent variables in this study were performance and the physical environment of work of the operator. Meanwhile, the independent variable was mental workload. Based on the mental load calculation, an average WWL (weighted workload) score of 80 to 90 was obtained, and the factors affecting mental workload are performance aspects and mental demand. Based on the results of structural modelling with the PLS method, there was a significant influence between mental workload on the work environment, the mental workload on perfor­mance and the work environment on operator performance. The proposed work system design used an ergonomic approach, safety and regulation of Ministry of Health to get an ergonomic work system, regulate the equal distribution of workloads, create a safe and comfortable working environ­ment, and improve operator performance. The design focused on the ATC tower's workstations and work environments. Supervisor has accepted the design.

References

R. Bentley, J. A. Hughes, D. Randall, and D. Z. Shapiro, ‘Technological support for decision making in a safety critical environment’, Saf. Sci., vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 149–156, 1995, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/0925-7535(94)00016-V.

G. Costa, Occupational stress and stress prevention in air traffic control. International Labour Office Geneva, 1996, [Online]. Available: http://www.oit.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_protect/---protrav/---safework/documents/publication/.

F. Trapsilawati, M. K. Herliansyah, A. S. A. N. S. Nugraheni, M. P. Fatikasari, and G. Tissamodie, ‘EEG-Based Analysis of Air Traffic Conflict: Investigating Controllers’ Situation Awareness, Stress Level and Brain Activity during Conflict Resolution’, J. Navig., vol. 73, no. 3, pp. 678–696, 2020, doi: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0373463319000882.

K. Brumels and A. Beach, ‘Professional Role Complexity and Job Satisfaction of Collegiate Certified Athletic Trainers’, J. Athl. Train., vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 373–378, Jul. 2008, doi: https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-43.4.373.

S. Folkard, ‘Black times: Temporal determinants of transport safety’, Accid. Anal. Prev., vol. 29, no. 4, pp. 417–430, 1997, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0001-4575(97)00021-3.

S. Folkard and P. Tucker, ‘Shift work, safety and productivity’, Occup. Med. (Chic. Ill)., vol. 53, no. 2, pp. 95–101, Mar. 2003, doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqg047.

R. R. Rosa, ‘Extended workshifts and excessive fatigue’, J. Sleep Res., vol. 4, no. s2, pp. 51–56, Dec. 1995, doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2869.1995.tb00227.x.

Y.-H. Chang, H.-H. Yang, and W.-J. Hsu, ‘Effects of work shifts on fatigue levels of air traffic controllers’, J. Air Transp. Manag., vol. 76, pp. 1–9, 2019, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jairtraman.2019.01.013.

A. E. Dembe, J. B. Erickson, R. G. Delbos, and S. M. Banks, ‘The impact of overtime and long work hours on occupational injuries and illnesses: new evidence from the United States’, Occup. Environ. Med., vol. 62, no. 9, pp. 588 – 597, Sep. 2005, doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/oem.2004.016667.

J. H. Kirchner and W. Laurig, ‘The Human Operator in Air Traffic Control Systems’, Ergonomics, vol. 14, no. 5, pp. 549–556, Sep. 1971, doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/00140137108931274.

A. R. Isaac and B. Ruitenberg, Air Traffic Control: Human Performance Factors. Routledge, 2017, doi: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315263076.

Y.-H. Chang and C.-H. Yeh, ‘Human performance interfaces in air traffic control’, Appl. Ergon., vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 123–129, 2010, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2009.06.002.

C. D. Wickens, ‘Multiple Resources and Mental Workload’, Hum. Factors, vol. 50, no. 3, pp. 449–455, Jun. 2008, doi: https://doi.org/10.1518/001872008X288394.

P. S. Tsang and M. A. Vidulich, ‘Mental workload and situation awareness.’, in Handbook of human factors and ergonomics, 3rd ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2006, pp. 243–268, doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/0470048204.ch9.

R. Parasuraman and P. A. Hancock, ‘Adaptive control of mental workload.’, in Stress, workload, and fatigue., Mahwah, NJ, US: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers, 2001, pp. 305–320, [Online]. Available: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2000-14014-014.

S. Loft, P. Sanderson, A. Neal, and M. Mooij, ‘Modeling and Predicting Mental Workload in En Route Air Traffic Control: Critical Review and Broader Implications’, Hum. Factors, vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 376–399, Jun. 2007, doi: https://doi.org/10.1518/001872007X197017.

F. O. Flemisch and R. Onken, ‘Open a Window to the Cognitive Work Process! Pointillist Analysis of Man–Machine Interaction’, Cogn. Technol. Work, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 160–170, 2002, doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s101110200015.

S. Kum, M. Furusho, O. Duru, and T. Satir, ‘Mental workload of the VTS operators by utilising heart rate’, TransNav, Int. J. Mar. Navig. Saf. od Sea Transp., vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 145–151, 2007, [Online]. Available: https://www.transnav.eu/pdf/0019.pdf.

F. Nachreiner, ‘Standards for ergonomics principles relating to the design of work systems and to mental workload’, Appl. Ergon., vol. 26, no. 4, pp. 259–263, 1995, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/0003-6870(95)00029-C.

H. G. Stassen, G. Johannsen, and N. Moray, ‘Internal representation, internal model, human performance model and mental workload’, Automatica, vol. 26, no. 4, pp. 811–820, 1990, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-1098(90)90057-O.

N. Leveson, ‘A new accident model for engineering safer systems’, Saf. Sci., vol. 42, no. 4, pp. 237–270, 2004, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0925-7535(03)00047-X.

Q. Gao, Y. Wang, F. Song, Z. Li, and X. Dong, ‘Mental workload measurement for emergency operating procedures in digital nuclear power plants’, Ergonomics, vol. 56, no. 7, pp. 1070–1085, Jul. 2013, doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2013.790483.

T. B. Sheridan and H. G. Stassen, ‘Definitions, Models and Measures of Human Workload BT - Mental Workload: Its Theory and Measurement’, N. Moray, Ed. Boston, MA: Springer US, 1979, pp. 219–233, doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-0884-4_12.

B. Xie and G. Salvendy, ‘Review and reappraisal of modelling and predicting mental workload in single- and multi-task environments’, Work Stress, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 74–99, Jan. 2000, doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/026783700417249.

R. L. Charles and J. Nixon, ‘Measuring mental workload using physiological measures: A systematic review’, Appl. Ergon., vol. 74, pp. 221–232, 2019, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2018.08.028.

H. J. Foy and P. Chapman, ‘Mental workload is reflected in driver behaviour, physiology, eye movements and prefrontal cortex activation’, Appl. Ergon., vol. 73, pp. 90–99, 2018, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2018.06.006.

M. Fallahi, M. Motamedzade, R. Heidarimoghadam, A. R. Soltanian, M. Farhadian, and S. Miyake, ‘Analysis of the mental workload of city traffic control operators while monitoring traffic density: A field study’, Int. J. Ind. Ergon., vol. 54, pp. 170–177, 2016, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2016.06.005.

C. Wickens and P. S. Tsang, ‘Workload’, in APA handbook of human systems integration., Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association, 2015, pp. 277–292, doi: https://doi.org/10.1037/14528-018.

M. S. Young, K. A. Brookhuis, C. D. Wickens, and P. A. Hancock, ‘State of science: mental workload in ergonomics’, Ergonomics, vol. 58, no. 1, pp. 1–17, Jan. 2015, doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2014.956151.

S. G. Hart and L. E. Staveland, ‘Development of NASA-TLX (Task Load Index): Results of Empirical and Theoretical Research’, in Human Mental Workload, vol. 52, North-Holland, 1988, pp. 139–183, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0166-4115(08)62386-9.

S. G. Hart, ‘Nasa-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX); 20 Years Later’, Proc. Hum. Factors Ergon. Soc. Annu. Meet., vol. 50, no. 9, pp. 904–908, Oct. 2006, doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/154193120605000909.

S.-L. Hwang et al., ‘Predicting work performance in nuclear power plants’, Saf. Sci., vol. 46, no. 7, pp. 1115–1124, 2008, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2007.06.005.

C. J. Jacobson Jr et al., ‘Temporal and subjective work demands in office-based patient care: an exploration of the dimensions of physician work intensity’, Med. Care, vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 52–58, 2011, [Online]. Available: https://www.jstor.org/stable/25767035.

H. L. Tubbs-Cooley, C. A. Mara, A. C. Carle, and A. P. Gurses, ‘The NASA Task Load Index as a measure of overall workload among neonatal, paediatric and adult intensive care nurses’, Intensive Crit. Care Nurs., vol. 46, pp. 64–69, 2018, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iccn.2018.01.004.

D. P. Restuputri, A. K. Pangesti, and A. K. Garside, ‘The Measurement of Physical Workload and Mental Workload Level of Medical Personnel’, J. Tek. Ind., vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 34–44, Feb. 2019, doi: https://doi.org/10.22219/JTIUMM.Vol20.No1.34-44.

S. Yan, Y. Wei, and C. C. Tran, ‘Evaluation and prediction mental workload in user interface of maritime operations using eye response’, Int. J. Ind. Ergon., vol. 71, pp. 117–127, 2019, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2019.03.002.

C. Collet, P. Averty, and A. Dittmar, ‘Autonomic nervous system and subjective ratings of strain in air-traffic control’, Appl. Ergon., vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 23–32, 2009, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2008.01.019.

M. Truschzinski, A. Betella, G. Brunnett, and P. F. M. J. Verschure, ‘Emotional and cognitive influences in air traffic controller tasks: An investigation using a virtual environment?’, Appl. Ergon., vol. 69, pp. 1–9, 2018, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2017.12.019.

R. H. Mogford, J. A. Guttman, S. L. Morrow, and P. Kopardekar, ‘The Complexity Construct in Air Traffic Control: A Review and Synthesis of the Literature.’, CTA INC MCKEE CITY NJ, 1995. [Online]. Available: https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA297433.

J. B. Brookings, G. F. Wilson, and C. R. Swain, ‘Psychophysiological responses to changes in workload during simulated air traffic control’, Biol. Psychol., vol. 42, no. 3, pp. 361–377, 1996, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/0301-0511(95)05167-8.

B. Hilburn, ‘Cognitive Task Analysis of Future Air Traffic Control Concepts: The TCAS Downlink Scenario’, Proc. Hum. Factors Ergon. Soc. Annu. Meet., vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 98–101, Oct. 2007, doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/154193120705100210.

D. Gopher and E. Donchin, ‘Workload: An examination of the concept’, in Handbook of perception and human performance, Vol. 2: Cognitive processes and performance., Oxford, England: John Wiley & Sons, 1986, pp. 1–49, [Online]. Available: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1986-98619-019

E. Galy, M. Cariou, and C. Mélan, ‘What is the relationship between mental workload factors and cognitive load types?’, Int. J. Psychophysiol., vol. 83, no. 3, pp. 269–275, 2012, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2011.09.023.

A. Majumdar and W. Y. Ochieng, ‘Factors Affecting Air Traffic Controller Workload: Multivariate Analysis Based on Simulation Modeling of Controller Workload’, Transp. Res. Rec., vol. 1788, no. 1, pp. 58–69, Jan. 2002, doi: https://doi.org/10.3141/1788-08.

D. Kahneman, Attention and Effort. Prentice-Hall, 1973, [Online]. Available: https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=eeb97f210404ca6758c6cfe41cbe552feed5f59e.

P. A. Hancock and P. A. Desmond, Eds., Stress, workload, and fatigue. Mahwah, NJ, US: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers, 2001, [Online]. Available: https://www.routledge.com/Stress-Workload-and-Fatigue/Hancock-Desmond/p/book/9780367447311.

B. Kirwan and H. Gibson, ‘CARA: A Human Reliability Assessment Tool for Air Traffic Safety Management — Technical Basis and Preliminary Architecture BT - The Safety of Systems’, 2007, pp. 197–214, doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84628-806-7_13.

J. Pounds and A. Isaac, ‘Development of an FAA-EUROCONTROL technique for the analysis of human error in ATM’, Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, 2002. [Online]. Available: https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/21499.

X. Wang, D. Li, C. C. Menassa, and V. R. Kamat, ‘Investigating the effect of indoor thermal environment on occupants’ mental workload and task performance using electroencephalogram’, Build. Environ., vol. 158, pp. 120–132, 2019, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2019.05.012.

A. Huggins and D. Claudio, ‘A mental workload based patient scheduling model for a Cancer Clinic’, Oper. Res. Heal. Care, vol. 20, pp. 56–65, 2019, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orhc.2018.10.003.

Y. Chen, S. Yan, and C. C. Tran, ‘Comprehensive evaluation method for user interface design in nuclear power plant based on mental workload’, Nucl. Eng. Technol., vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 453–462, 2019, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.net.2018.10.010.

C. Duffield et al., ‘Nursing staffing, nursing workload, the work environment and patient outcomes’, Appl. Nurs. Res., vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 244–255, 2011, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnr.2009.12.004.

E. De Croon, J. Sluiter, P. P. Kuijer, and M. Frings-Dresen, ‘The effect of office concepts on worker health and performance: a systematic review of the literature’, Ergonomics, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 119–134, Feb. 2005, doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/00140130512331319409.

A. Haapakangas, E. Kankkunen, V. Hongisto, P. Virjonen, D. Oliva, and E. Keskinen, ‘Effects of Five Speech Masking Sounds on Performance and Acoustic Satisfaction. Implications for Open-Plan Offices’, Acta Acust. united with Acust., vol. 97, no. 4, pp. 641–655, Jul. 2011, doi: https://doi.org/10.3813/AAA.918444.

M. Haka, A. Haapakangas, J. Keränen, J. Hakala, E. Keskinen, and V. Hongisto, ‘Performance effects and subjective disturbance of speech in acoustically different office types – a laboratory experiment’, Indoor Air, vol. 19, no. 6, pp. 454–467, Dec. 2009, doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0668.2009.00608.x.

H. Jahncke, V. Hongisto, and P. Virjonen, ‘Cognitive performance during irrelevant speech: Effects of speech intelligibility and office-task characteristics’, Appl. Acoust., vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 307–316, 2013, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apacoust.2012.08.007.

A. Buchner, M. C. Steffens, L. Irmen, and K. F. Wender, ‘Irrelevant auditory material affects counting.’, J. Exp. Psychol. Learn. Mem. Cogn., vol. 24, no. 1, pp. 48–67, 1998, doi: https://doi.org/10.1037/0278-7393.24.1.48.

P. A. Hancock, J. M. Ross, and J. L. Szalma, ‘A Meta-Analysis of Performance Response Under Thermal Stressors’, Hum. Factors, vol. 49, no. 5, pp. 851–877, Oct. 2007, doi: https://doi.org/10.1518/001872007X230226.

J. J. Pilcher, E. Nadler, and C. Busch, ‘Effects of hot and cold temperature exposure on performance: a meta-analytic review’, Ergonomics, vol. 45, no. 10, pp. 682–698, Aug. 2002, doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/00140130210158419.

S. Hygge and I. Knez, ‘Effects of noise, heat and indoor lighting on cognitive performance and self-reported affect’, J. Environ. Psychol., vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 291–299, 2001, doi: https://doi.org/10.1006/jevp.2001.0222.

L. Lan, P. Wargocki, D. P. Wyon, and Z. Lian, ‘Effects of thermal discomfort in an office on perceived air quality, SBS symptoms, physiological responses, and human performance’, Indoor Air, vol. 21, no. 5, pp. 376–390, Oct. 2011, doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0668.2011.00714.x.

J. Varjo, V. Hongisto, A. Haapakangas, H. Maula, H. Koskela, and J. Hyönä, ‘Simultaneous effects of irrelevant speech, temperature and ventilation rate on performance and satisfaction in open-plan offices’, J. Environ. Psychol., vol. 44, pp. 16–33, 2015, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2015.08.001.

B. O. Omolayo and O. C. Omole, ‘Influence of mental workload on job performance’, Int. J. Humanit. Soc. Sci., vol. 3, no. 15, pp. 238–246, 2013, [Online]. Available: http://www.ijhssnet.com/journals/Vol_3_No_15_August_2013/27.pdf.

V. Riley, E. Lyall, and E. Wiener, ‘Analytic Workload Models for Flight Deck Design and Evaluation’, Proc. Hum. Factors Ergon. Soc. Annu. Meet., vol. 38, no. 1, pp. 81–84, Oct. 1994, doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/154193129403800115.

S. Bevan, ‘Good work, high performance and productivity’, 2012. [Online]. Available: https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/good-work-high-performance-and-productivity.

D. S. Muchhal, ‘HR practices and Job Performance’, IOSR J. Humanit. Soc. Sci., vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 55–61, 2014, [Online]. Available: http://www.eupstream.com/images/journal/april2014/DevenderSingh.pdf.

K. Al-Omari and H. Okasheh, ‘The influence of work environment on job performance: A case study of engineering company in Jordan’, Int. J. Appl. Eng. Res., vol. 12, no. 24, pp. 15544–15550, 2017, [Online]. Available: https://www.ripublication.com/ijaer17/ijaerv12n24_223.pdf.

S. P. Robbin and T. A. Judge, Perilaku organisasi. Jakarta: PT. Indeks Kelompok Gramedia, 2008, [Online]. Available: https://opac.perpusnas.go.id/DetailOpac.aspx?id=286826.

S. Wignjosoebroto, Ergonomi Studi Gerak dan Waktu. Surabaya: PT. Guna Widya, 2003, [Online]. Available: https://onesearch.id/Record/IOS2726.slims-63677/TOC.

S. Rubio, E. Díaz, J. Martín, and J. M. Puente, ‘Evaluation of Subjective Mental Workload: A Comparison of SWAT, NASA-TLX, and Workload Profile Methods’, Appl. Psychol., vol. 53, no. 1, pp. 61–86, Jan. 2004, doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-0597.2004.00161.x.

A. D. Prabaswari, C. Basumerda, and B. W. Utomo, ‘The Mental Workload Analysis of Staff in Study Program of Private Educational Organization’, IOP Conf. Ser. Mater. Sci. Eng., vol. 528, no. 1, p. 12018, 2019, doi: https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/528/1/012018.

E. Nurmasari, M. Ushada, and E. Suwondo, ‘Analysis of the influence of physical and mental workload on worker productivity in bakery SME’, 2018, [Online]. Available: https://digitalpress.ugm.ac.id/storage/proceedings/25/articles/21248.pdf.

K. Ryu and R. Myung, ‘Evaluation of mental workload with a combined measure based on physiological indices during a dual task of tracking and mental arithmetic’, Int. J. Ind. Ergon., vol. 35, no. 11, pp. 991–1009, 2005, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2005.04.005.

Y. Xiao et al., ‘[Effects of mental workload on work ability in primary and secondary school teachers]’, Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi, vol. 33, no. 2, pp. 93–96, 2015, [Online]. Available: http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/25916354.

Y. Yosiana, A. Hermawati, and M. H. Mas’ud, ‘The Analysis of Workload and Work Environment on Nurse Performance with Job Stress as Mediation Variable’, J. Socioecon. Dev., vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 37–46, May 2020, doi: https://doi.org/10.31328/jsed.v3i1.1326.

Y. Sri Rejeki, N. Rahman As’ad, and E. Achiraeniwati, ‘Improvement of Work System with Ergonomic Approach of Domestic Shoe Industry in Cibaduyut Bandung’, Appl. Mech. Mater., vol. 606, pp. 247–251, 2014, doi: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.606.247.

R. Ramadhan, I. P. Tama, and R. Y. Efranto, ‘Analisa Beban Kerja dengan menggunakan Work Sampling dan NASA-TLX untuk menentukan jumlah operator (Studi Kasus: PT XYZ)’, J. Rekayasa dan Manaj. Sist. Ind., vol. 2, no. 5, p. 131165, 2014, [Online]. Available: http://jrmsi.studentjournal.ub.ac.id/index.php/jrmsi/article/view/142.

Downloads

Published

2022-12-31

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2022): December

Section

Research Article

License

All articles in Jurnal Sistem dan Manajemen Industri can be disseminated provided they include the identity of the article and the source of the article Jurnal Sistem dan Manajemen Industri. The publisher is not responsible for the contents of the article. The content of the article is the sole responsibility of the author

Creative Commons License

Jurnal Sistem dan Manajemen Industri is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

[1]
“Air traffic control work system design to improve operator performance with workload approach and safety concept”, j. sist. manaj. ind., vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 200–214, Dec. 2022, doi: 10.30656/jsmi.v6i2.4582.
Crossref
Scopus
Google Scholar
Europe PMC

Similar Articles

1-10 of 47

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.