Cost-Justifying Human Factors Integration: Understanding the Value Added

Abstract

Considering the human elements of socio-technical systems is critical to ensure safe and efficient system performance. However, quantifying cost benefits of Human Factors Integration (HFI) efforts is often perceived as difficult. This is largely due to the indirect nature of HFI effects, and the problems of clearly linking HFI activities to the breadth of savings. This is the case both retrospectively, when identifying evidence of past HFI benefits or oversights – and prospectively, when allocating budgets at early project stages when uncertainty is high.

When making the case for HFI through its potential for cost savings, the argument has to consist of two sides. Firstly, major cost areas need to be identified that HFI may have an influence on. Secondly, the ways through which HFI can affect these costs need to be shown clearly. This paper identifies specific functions and benefit categories through which HFI can add value. The focus is on identifying the central influences of HFI activities, as part of a complete HFI process throughout the system lifecycle. This paper identifies requirements and approaches for cost-justifying HFI grounded in suitable evidence, and supported by suitable arguments.

• For further information e-mail Dr Anne Bruseberg.

(Any views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the UK MoD)