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Following the cognitive work analysis train of thought: exploring the constraints acting on modal shift to rail transport

Following the cognitive work analysis train of thought: exploring the constraints acting on modal shift to rail transport
Following the cognitive work analysis train of thought: exploring the constraints acting on modal shift to rail transport
Environmental concerns show that transport is responsible for almost a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions, and it is also the fastest growing sector. Modal shift towards public transport could help slow down, or even reverse, this trend. There appear to be a number of constraints that are preventing this from happening. This paper explores the constraints to modal shift to rail transport from the perspective of cognitive work analysis, specifically the abstraction hierarchy, the contextual activity template and social organisational and cooperation analyses. Whilst these analyses may not present any new barriers, they do show how the constraints are interlinked in an explicit manner. These interrelations are important for two reasons. First, in consideration of constraint removal, one must anticipate the likely effects on the remainder of the system. Second, by linking functions and situations, new concepts of travel may be identified and explored.

Practitioner Summary:
The purpose of this study was to use a semi-structured approach to identifying constraints to modal shift from a variety of perspectives. It is argued that cognitive work analysis offers a new way of thinking about the modal shift problem and helps to generate new insights into potential solutions.
modal shift, cognitive work analysis, constraints
1366-5847
522-540
Stanton, N.A.
351a44ab-09a0-422a-a738-01df1fe0fadd
McIlroy, R.
68e56daa-5b0b-477e-a643-3c7b78c1b85d
Harvey, C.
c2e238f0-8525-45d8-874f-95a5986afa09
Blainey, S.P.
ee6198e5-1f89-4f9b-be8e-52cc10e8b3bb
Hickford, A.J.
55d34672-b7bb-47d4-97a6-095304c429de
Preston, J.M.
ef81c42e-c896-4768-92d1-052662037f0b
Ryan, B.
fe15fe00-ad90-4c70-a3e4-f74f24af9307
Stanton, N.A.
351a44ab-09a0-422a-a738-01df1fe0fadd
McIlroy, R.
68e56daa-5b0b-477e-a643-3c7b78c1b85d
Harvey, C.
c2e238f0-8525-45d8-874f-95a5986afa09
Blainey, S.P.
ee6198e5-1f89-4f9b-be8e-52cc10e8b3bb
Hickford, A.J.
55d34672-b7bb-47d4-97a6-095304c429de
Preston, J.M.
ef81c42e-c896-4768-92d1-052662037f0b
Ryan, B.
fe15fe00-ad90-4c70-a3e4-f74f24af9307

Stanton, N.A., McIlroy, R., Harvey, C., Blainey, S.P., Hickford, A.J., Preston, J.M. and Ryan, B. (2013) Following the cognitive work analysis train of thought: exploring the constraints acting on modal shift to rail transport. [in special issue: Ergonomics and Sustainability] Ergonomics, 56 (3), 522-540. (doi:10.1080/00140139.2012.718366). (PMID:22934803)

Record type: Article

Abstract

Environmental concerns show that transport is responsible for almost a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions, and it is also the fastest growing sector. Modal shift towards public transport could help slow down, or even reverse, this trend. There appear to be a number of constraints that are preventing this from happening. This paper explores the constraints to modal shift to rail transport from the perspective of cognitive work analysis, specifically the abstraction hierarchy, the contextual activity template and social organisational and cooperation analyses. Whilst these analyses may not present any new barriers, they do show how the constraints are interlinked in an explicit manner. These interrelations are important for two reasons. First, in consideration of constraint removal, one must anticipate the likely effects on the remainder of the system. Second, by linking functions and situations, new concepts of travel may be identified and explored.

Practitioner Summary:
The purpose of this study was to use a semi-structured approach to identifying constraints to modal shift from a variety of perspectives. It is argued that cognitive work analysis offers a new way of thinking about the modal shift problem and helps to generate new insights into potential solutions.

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e-pub ahead of print date: 30 August 2012
Published date: 2013
Keywords: modal shift, cognitive work analysis, constraints
Organisations: Civil Maritime & Env. Eng & Sci Unit

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 350293
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/350293
ISSN: 1366-5847
PURE UUID: 362423cd-a499-4133-8121-bbcf8633c129
ORCID for N.A. Stanton: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0002-8562-3279
ORCID for R. McIlroy: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0003-0326-8101
ORCID for S.P. Blainey: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0003-4249-8110
ORCID for A.J. Hickford: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0001-6414-9064
ORCID for J.M. Preston: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0002-6866-049X

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Date deposited: 25 Mar 2013 12:00
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 03:59

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Contributors

Author: N.A. Stanton ORCID iD
Author: R. McIlroy ORCID iD
Author: C. Harvey
Author: S.P. Blainey ORCID iD
Author: A.J. Hickford ORCID iD
Author: J.M. Preston ORCID iD
Author: B. Ryan

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