CQUniversity Unit Profile
AINV20008 Investigation of Human Factors
Investigation of Human Factors
All details in this unit profile for AINV20008 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit will provide students with an advanced understanding of human factors investigation methods and models and the contemporary human factors, organisational and safety culture tenets which underpin effective accident prevention and investigation. This will include analysis and investigation of the role of the human in modern socio-technical systems and systems failures, human factors engineering and methods for investigating and analysing safety culture and its influence on the causation of accidents.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 8
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2020

Online

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Group Discussion
Weighting: 20%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student feedback

Feedback

The system life-cycle component needs to be more clearly integrated within the unit.

Recommendation

Systems lifecycle will be incorporated more explicitly into the WorkSafeBC sample accident tutorial discussions.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Appraise the role that human factors has in accident causation.
  2. Critique and apply contemporary human factors investigation tools and techniques.
  3. Evaluate the contribution that organisational factors and safety culture have on accident causation.
  4. Recognise the shortcomings in applications of the "blame" and "no-blame" cultures and their impact on investigation.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Group Discussion - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 40%
3 - Written Assessment - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 - Group Discussion - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 40%
3 - Written Assessment - 40%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Yvonne Toft Unit Coordinator
y.toft@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 09 Mar 2020

Module/Topic

Introduction: Getting to know you, Moodle and this course.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Class Zoom Session

Week 2 Begin Date: 16 Mar 2020

Module/Topic

Module 1: Human factors and accident causation.

This week we will recognise that events can be analysed and interpreted in different contexts. Everything may not be as it seems or as simple as it seems.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Class Zoom Session

Week 3 Begin Date: 23 Mar 2020

Module/Topic

Module 1: Human factors and accident causation.

Sociotechnical systems: the relationships between people, machines and systems in society.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Class Zoom Session

Week 4 Begin Date: 30 Mar 2020

Module/Topic

Module 1: Human factors and accident causation.

Barriers to accidents: Tripod.

Chapter

Additional Assessment 2 pre-readings provided on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Class Zoom Session

Week 5 Begin Date: 06 Apr 2020

Module/Topic

Module 1: Human factors and accident causation.

Systems Life Cycle and Design of Socio-technical systems.

Chapter

Additional Assessment 2 pre-readings provided on Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Class Zoom Session

Vacation Week Begin Date: 13 Apr 2020

Module/Topic

Vacation and self-study week.


Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 20 Apr 2020

Module/Topic

Module 2: Human factors investigation methods and tools.

Introduction to the WorkSafeBC Model of HF Investigation.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Class Zoom Session

Tutorial activites Due: Week 6 Friday (24 Apr 2020) 10:00 am AEST
Week 7 Begin Date: 27 Apr 2020

Module/Topic

Module 2: Human factors investigation methods and tools.

Applying the WorkSafeBC model to an accident.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Class Zoom Session

Week 8 Begin Date: 04 May 2020

Module/Topic

Module 2: Human factors investigation methods and tools.

HF Investigative tools for pursuing your lines of inquiry.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Class Zoom Session

Week 9 Begin Date: 11 May 2020

Module/Topic

Module 2: Human factors investigation methods and tools.

Introduction to the HFACS investigative tool.


Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Class Zoom Session

Week 10 Begin Date: 18 May 2020

Module/Topic

Module 2: Human factors investigation methods and tools.

HFACS - looking at nanocodes. This will support the main option for Assessment 3.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Class Zoom Session


Annotated Mindmap and Bibliography Due: Week 10 Monday (18 May 2020) 10:00 am AEST
Week 11 Begin Date: 25 May 2020

Module/Topic

Module 3: Bringing it all together.

Discussing Safety Culture as a HF factor.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Class Zoom Session

Week 12 Begin Date: 01 Jun 2020

Module/Topic

Catch up and review.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Class Zoom Session

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 08 Jun 2020

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Report Due: Review/Exam Week Monday (8 June 2020) 10:00 am AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 15 Jun 2020

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Group Discussion

Assessment Title
Tutorial activites

Task Description

Students will complete a variety of tutorial activities as directed in Moodle during the first 5 weeks of class. The tasks will allow you to practice the concepts covered in class. Complete a minimum of four of the following tasks/ activities.

1. Context of a simple task: Map the context of a simple task and identify the multiple perspectives that can inform the 'contextual reality' of the scenario.

2. System map: Identify a common socio-technical system and identify / mindmap the components of the system.

3. Tripod analysis:

· Describe a simple accident scenario

· Choose a system

· Apply Tripod to analyse the accident.

4. System life cycle System Life Cycle:

· Describe a system

· Illustrate the system life cycle

· Explain where failures might occur.

5. Worksafe BC model.


Assessment Due Date

Week 6 Friday (24 Apr 2020) 10:00 am AEST

Post your tasks to the Moodle forum weekly.


Return Date to Students

Week 8 Friday (8 May 2020)


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

For each assessment item:

1. Applies key concepts with accuracy and relevance (30%).

2. Demonstrates logical analysis and argument (30%).

3. Shows good writing with accurate language and grammar.

4. Includes a reference list and uses Harvard style for referencing for information, data, tables or images sourced.

5. Respectful feedback is given to fellow students.

Specific assessment criteria and a marking rubric for each assessment piece will be provided through Moodle.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Post your answers to the Moodle online submission forum.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Appraise the role that human factors has in accident causation.
  • Critique and apply contemporary human factors investigation tools and techniques.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility
  • Leadership

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Annotated Mindmap and Bibliography

Task Description

This task will have a self and peer review component.

The ‘whys’ above should draw on evidence in the report AND in the literature (i.e. bibliographies). It should include formal ‘in text’ referencing in the mind map and include a separate reference list.

  • What happened (describe circumstances)
  • Why it happened (discuss findings)
  • Nature of system and system parts
  • Design failures and system life cycle
  • Issues and findings related to people, workplaces & management
  • Human factors investigation tools recommended to investigate the issues

Your annotated mind map should evidence:

For this task you will be required to review the literature and complete an annotated Mindmap and Bibliography based around a specific case study. of your choice.

Further details about this task will be provided through Moodle.


Assessment Due Date

Week 10 Monday (18 May 2020) 10:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 12 Monday (1 June 2020)


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

1. Description of the circumstances of what happened.

2. Discussion of your findings of why it happened.

3. Identification and description of the nature of the system and system parts.

4. Identification and description of the design failures and system life cycle issues.

5. Identification and description of the issues and findings related to people, workplaces and management.

6. Identification and description of the human factors investigation tools that you recommend to investigate the lines of inquiry identified from your accident analysis.

Specific assessment criteria and a marking rubric will be provided through Moodle.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Assessments will only be marked if submitted in a format that is compatible with MS Word or pdf.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Appraise the role that human factors has in accident causation.
  • Critique and apply contemporary human factors investigation tools and techniques.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Report

Task Description

This problem-solving activity will extend the work done in Assessment 2. You should re-use the same scenario from Assessment 2 but apply a new HF Investigative tool (such as HFACS). There will be three investigative options available to complete this assignment depending on the students own circumstances and interests. It will also include an evaluation of the contribution that organisational factors and safety culture have on accident causation with reference to the topics covered in Module 1 and 2.

Further information will be provided through Moodle.


Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Monday (8 June 2020) 10:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (19 June 2020)


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

1. Applies investigative techniques not used for assessment 2.

2. Description of the role of organisational factors in accident causation.

3. Description of the role of safety culture factors in accident causation.

4. Reflection on the comparative outcomes of Assessment 2 in light of Assessment 3.

Specific assessment criteria and a marking rubric will be provided through Moodle.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Assessments will only be marked if submitted in a format that is compatible with MS Word or pdf.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Evaluate the contribution that organisational factors and safety culture have on accident causation.
  • Recognise the shortcomings in applications of the "blame" and "no-blame" cultures and their impact on investigation.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?