Showing 84 results for Ergonomics
Hamed Yarmohammadi, Mehdi Jahangiri, Elham Arab Mokhtari,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: A significant indicators of progress and development is the publication of books within any scientific domain. Ergonomics, a critical field associated with human and occupational health, contributes to enhancing productivity and the health level of employees. The present study aims to investigate the state of production and publication of ergonomics books in Iran.
Methods: The current study employed a descriptive approach and content analysis with a bibliometric perspective. The research population encompaased all ergonomics books registered on the National Library website. To access relevant books, searches were conducted without temporal limitations using keywords such as ergonomics, human factors engineering, and other related terms. The collected data were then entered into a pre-designed form in Excel software and, in the final stage, were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: In total, 313 book titles in the field of ergonomics have been published between the years 1989 to 2023, indicating an increasing trend in the publication of books in this area. The highest frequency was for authored books, accounting for 78.27 percent of the publications. Mohammad Amin Mououdi, Majid Motamedzadeh, and Alireza Choobineh were the most active authors in this field. The subject areas of ergonomics principles and application, occupational ergonomics, and human factors engineering had the highest frequency. Fanavaran publications held the highest rank among all publishers. In total, 38 book titles reached multiple editions.
Conclusion: The results of the current study signify an upward trend in book publication within the field of ergonomics in Iran. However, there is a need for more attention from authors in some specializations of this science, including occupational biomechanics, urban ergonomics, ergonomics in domestic settings, and ergonomics for children. Additionally, there is a notable lack of focus on the publication of electronic books in this scientific field. Therefore, to give more consideration to the advantages of electronic books and consider their publication.
Seyeydeh Hasti Sadati, Mehdi Asghari, Maedeh Moradi Farahani,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (4-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: Awkward posture is a primary cause of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the dental profession due to the nature of dental activities. This study aimed to examine both observational and device-assisted posture assessment methods used to study dental professionals as well as the reported prevalence of MSDs among them.
Methods: A search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases for studies performed from 2000 to 2021 using specified keywords. In total, 31 out of the 541 articles found in the initial search were finally included in this study after the exclusion of ineligible articles, duplicates, conference presentations, systematic reviews, and letters to the editor.
Results: Based on the findings, the neck (58%), back and waist (54.9%), and shoulder and hand (29%) areas had the highest reported pain and disorder. Several posture evaluation methods, namely Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (19.4%), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (19.4%), Electromyography (EMG, 13.8%), and Quick Exposure Check (QEC, 8.3%), were the most frequently used methods among all 17 methods employed in the studies.
Conclusion: Among the observational methods, the QEC method was the most practical one as it considered the experiences of dentists and various dimensions of dental tasks. Moreover, the EMG method was the most suitable device-assisted method for the assessment of posture in dentists. The use of questionnaires in conjunction with evaluation methods appears to enhance the understanding and effectiveness of posture assessment.
Abdollah Vahedi, Iman Dianat,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (4-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: Despite the increasing trend of automation and mechanization in the industry, many workers are exposed to high physical workloads, repetitive motions, and unusual body postures. In this regard, assistive technology (AT) is a relatively new and practical solution. This study was conducted to design an assistive arm according to ergonomic principles and investigate its effect on the electrical activity of shoulder muscles.
Methods: This research was fundamental in its approach, using an experimental intervention method. The investigated samples included students studying in the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health in 2021, of which 12 participated in the study, half of whom were female and half were male. A prototype of a passive assistive arm was first designed. The electrical activity of muscles was then evaluated at two work heights and two tasks in a simulated workstation with and without the use of an assist arm. The data were analyzed at a significance level of 0.05 using SPSS26 software.
Results: The designed assistive arm reduced the electrical activity of the muscles in the tested heights and tasks, and among the six investigated muscles, the activity of the trapezius and anterior deltoid muscles decreased the most.
Conclusion: According to the results, the designed assistive arm reduces the electrical activity of the shoulder muscles and differentially affects different tasks and work heights. The results generally indicate that the use of an assistive arm can be an effective intervention for overhead tasks.
Houshang Shahnavaz, Mohammad Sadegh Sohrabi,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (4-2024)
Abstract
Drawing from the author's knowledge, experience, and evidence gathered during years of professional activity in Iran, the article offers twenty-two important "lessons learned" concerning the initiation, design, and implementation of ergonomics intervention programs in industries and companies in developing countries, with a focus on Iran. Briefly, a short report of four ergonomics projects implemented in Iran is provided, and then policy suggestions are expressed in the form of lessons. These lessons are derived from the author's practical projects as an ergonomics manager and offer key points to increase the success of ergonomics projects and to expand and sustain ergonomics in industries and companies.
Reza Ziyari, Parvin Afshar, Mahsan Afshar,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (4-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: It was expected the healthcare system would help to provide better services by taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the expansion of information and communication technology. In some cases, the efforts of service providers or users to increase their interests have resulted in the commercialization of health at the cost of effectiveness and personal well-being. The present study aimed to identify and analyze the impact of digital components of social media on the commercialization of health with the aim of improving ergonomics at macro and cognitive levels.
Methods: This applied research was conducted based on a descriptive cross-sectional design. The statistical population included 300 professors of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, out of whom 169 cases were selected by simple random method. The components were determined by the descriptive method. The questions were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis in SPSS software. The ranking of the components was performed using Friedman's method, and the final model was then presented.
Results: The digital components of social media in the commercialization of health include five parts(the health system, medicine, patient, insurance, and healthcare personnel) and 30 sub-components.
Conclusion: The digital components related to the health system have the most marked impact on the commercialization of health, highlighting the need to pay attention to the development of social media regulations in the health sector. Common strategies include controlling data availability, building coalitions among health stakeholders with compliance monitoring, using social responsibility laws for digital companies, and promoting self-regulation among stakeholders.
Raha Seidi, Mahnaz Saremi, Azam Malekighahfarokhi, Mahshid Namdari,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (7-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: User engagement with digital technologies refers to the sense of belonging and individual satisfaction. Visual aesthetics, characterized by simplicity and diversity, plays a crucial role in the design of products and online sales strategies. This study investigates the relationship between visual aesthetics and user engagement with in a selected social network.
Methods: This correlational descriptive-analytical study examines the attractiveness of two pages with similar educational content but differing visual aesthetics criteria on one of the social networks. The first page (Researcher-made page) exhibits higher standards of attractiveness compared to the second page (Basic page). Data were collected through online questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: The study involved 116 participants, of whom 91 (78.4%) were female, with an average age of 26.8 ± 2.54 years. The majority of participants held a bachelor's degree (57.8%). The average visual aesthetics scores for the content pages (Researcher-made page) and (Basic page) were 95/92 and 84/9, respectively, indicating that Researcher-made page had greater visual appeal. Furthermore, the user engagement scores for Researcher-made page and Basic page were 107/9 and 100/02, respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between visual appeal and user engagement on both pages (P<0.001), while no significant relationship was observed between gender or education level and these metrics (P>0.05).
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the visual aesthetics of virtual content pages has a significant impact on user engagement. These findings underscore the importance of adhering to attractiveness criteria in content design, which can be beneficial for content creators, managers, and business owners.
Narges Eshaghi, Narmin Hassanzadeh-Rangi, Yahya Khosravi,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (7-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: Scientometrics is a research field that examines and analyzes scientific trends and patterns in various scientific journals. This study aims to analyze the content of articles published in the Journal of Applied Ergonomics in the last ten years and determine the distribution pattern of the articles according to the themes extracted.
Methods: Using the method of directed content analysis, the number of 2,148 articles published in the last 10 years were extracted from the "Journal of Applied Ergonomics" website and categorized according to the topic, the nationality of the authors, and the year of publication. For the topic categories of articles, the existing categories of published articles and the topic tree schema of the article submission website of selected international journals were used. EXCEL 2021 software was used for data preparation and analysis.
Results: Among the twenty-two extracted topics, three main topics, including "Physio-psychological Status and Occupational Factors," "Human-machine interaction, Human-computer interaction", and "Ergonomic product and service design" elucidated approximately 50% of the variance in published articles in this reputable journal under study. Among these, there was a particular emphasis on the topic of "Physio-psychological status and occupational factors." The subjects of "Physio-psychological status and occupational factors," "Human-machine interaction," and "Human-computer interaction" have had an upward trend in recent years. Moreover, authors from the United States of America, with 25.84% frequency, have contributed the most to the publication of articles in this Journal.
Conclusion: The thematic framework and distribution patterns extracted in this study can contribute to the educational and research planning in the field of professional health for universities, research centers, and relevant organizations. These findings can guide strategic decisions and support targeted efforts to advance ergonomic practices and the dissemination of knowledge within the field.
Fatemeh Alibeygian, Hamidreza Mokarami, Reza Kazemi,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (7-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: The current qualitative study aimed to understand the factors affecting the optimal performance of bus drivers using the macro ergonomics approach and the work systems model. This topic is important as it addresses significant gaps in the existing literature regarding the ergonomic and systemic factors influencing driver performance.
Methods: In this study, 13 in-depth interviews were conducted with bus drivers. A qualitative content analysis of the data was performed using MAXQDA2020 software after data collection. Codes were extracted based on nine categories of factors affecting performance related to the five components of the work system: organizational, individual, environmental, task, and technology.
Results: The analysis revealed that employees reported low performance mainly due to organizational structural problems and managerial characteristics. These findings highlight the critical role of organizational factors in driver performance.
Conclusion: The results indicate that ergonomic interventions targeting organizational structural issues and managerial practices could significantly improve the performance and satisfaction of bus drivers. The insights gained from this research can inform practical interventions to improve the working conditions and overall performance of this occupational group. These findings contribute to the field by providing a direction for enhancing the work system to better support driver performance.
Roghayeh Esmaili, Ali Askari, Mohsen Poursadeghian,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: Various factors, including a lack of attention to the adaptation of educational spaces, can significantly impact the quality of education. Consequently, this study aims to comprehensively review and analyze all research conducted on school ergonomics in Iran.
Methods: A bilingual search was conducted in this study utilizing Persian keywords such as "Student," "Elementary, middle or high school," and "Physical, environmental, and general ergonomics," along with their Latin equivalents. This search was performed across databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, covering the period from the inception of research in Iran until 2024. Subsequently, articles relevant to the topic were collected and examined according to the established criteria.
Results: Among the identified articles, only 30 were recognized as relevant to the study's objectives, focusing on physical, environmental, and general ergonomics. A comparison of these studies revealed an upward trend in musculoskeletal disorders, with many of these issues linked to ergonomic problems in schools, including the mismatch between students' body dimensions and the desks and chairs used, as well as improper carrying of school bags.
Conclusion: The poor ergonomic conditions in Iranian schools have led to an increase in musculoskeletal disorders among students. It is vital to evaluate these schools based on ergonomic standards and implement necessary enhancements. Furthermore, it is important to raise students' awareness about proper task performance and appropriate backpack usage.
Mahdi Ganji, Milad Karimi, Behnoush Bahari,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Nowadays, using digital displays in vehicles has become very common. Therefore, the reflection display screen issue as a virtual image on the vehicle's side windows at night is a controversial item in the ergonomics position of the designed display. Given the high importance of visual tasks, it is necessary to consider ergonomics considerations during vehicle design to achieve an optimal display position.
Methods: In the current study, by identifying the factors affecting the placement of the central display inside the vehicle and assigning level values for them, using the design of experiment statistical method with the full factorial approach, 243 runs were obtained from the combination of the identified factors using MINITAB (version 18) software. By implementing all the extracted runs, the amount of reflection from the central display on the side windows was subjected to statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: Significantly effective factors (including their interactions) on the response of the reflection of the virtual image on the critical vision zone and the total reflection on the driver's right and left side windows were identified. In addition, the amount/direction of the factors' effect on the responses was analyzed using a linear regression model.
Conclusion: During the interior design process of the vehicle and display packaging, the factors identified in this study can be used as a control tool to reduce or eliminate the concern of the amount of display reflection on the side windows to prevent driver's ergonomics problems during nighttime driving.
Samira Goran, Samaneh Pourhadi, Aram Tirgar, Zahra Geraili,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: The use of parks is highly valuable for the elderly for various reasons, including physical, psychological, and social aspects. Therefore, the suitability of these spaces to the needs of the elderly is of particular importance. The present study aimed to determine and introduce criteria for the evaluation and classification of parks in terms of structural suitability for the elderly.
Methods: The present methodological study was designed in 2024 and conducted simultaneously with the psychometric and validation of the structural fit assessment tool for elderly-friendly parks. The structural components were identified through a literature review and validated using the Delphi method. After determining content validity, the items were classified into mandatory, essential, and ideal sections by obtaining at least two-thirds and one-third of the experts' votes, respectively. In addition, descriptive statistics were employed in data processing.
Results: The final review of 58 items by experts revealed that the majority of items (n=41, equivalent to 71%) were mandatory, 13 items (22%) were essential, and four items were ideal. The highest share of mandatory items was declared by ergonomists, and the lowest by gerontologists.
Conclusion: Structural components of park design suitable for the elderly are mandatory or essential in most cases studied, and only a few were identified as ideal. Therefore, the design of elderly-friendly parks requires attention to various aspects, including accessibility, safety, and comfort.
Mahdi Roknian, Jafar Salehian, Payam Khanlaribanyarani,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Firearms, including pistols and rifles, are complex tools with military, sporting, and personal applications that require attention to ergonomics to optimize their design and functionality. The present study aimed to review existing research on the ergonomic features of firearms, with a particular focus on assault rifles.
Methods: The present work employed a scoping review method to examine the ergonomics of firearms. Searches were conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases using keywords related to the ergonomic design of firearms. Relevant articles were selected from the collected studies, and data were extracted and reviewed by two authors, with results categorized based on common areas.
Results: A total of 3,121 studies were found through searches in databases, and after removing duplicates and reviewing titles and abstracts, 121 studies were downloaded and assessed based on inclusion criteria. Ultimately, nine studies were included in the final stage. The topics examined in the articles that impact the ergonomics of firearms included anthropometric considerations and human digital modeling, rifle configurations and design features, postural stability, safety, and training.
Conclusion: The ergonomic design of firearms significantly impacts user performance, safety, and overall experience. Future design efforts should emphasize human-centered approaches, taking into account anthropometric data, firearm configuration, user stability, and safety mechanisms for the production of firearms.
Farahnaz Dastranj, Ali Mohammadi, Hassan Sadeghi Naeini, Hanieh Nikoomaram, Reza Azizinezhad,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Participatory ergonomics, with its focus on the active involvement of stakeholders in designing and improving work systems, can be proposed as a key strategy for sustainable environmental management. The present study aimed to explore the mechanisms of integrating ergonomic principles and employee participation to elucidate how environmental sustainability can be achieved in workplace settings.
Methods: The present descriptive-analytical study was conducted in the Iranian automotive industry. The participatory ergonomics program involved a 14-member expert team through weekly sessions consisting of two hours of theoretical training and one hour of practical application over three months. The primary objectives of the program encompassed comprehensive training on ergonomics checkpoints established by the International Labour Organization (ILO), integration of ergonomic principles with environmental sustainability considerations, and development of practical competencies to implement acquired knowledge in actual workplace environments.
Results: Following the completion of the participatory ergonomics program and a thorough assessment of workplace issues, the ergonomics team successfully developed fifty practical recommendations, 20% of which addressed environmental concerns. Through six months of sustained collaboration between workers and management support, ten of the proposed recommendations were implemented.
Conclusion: The application of participatory ergonomics principles, emphasizing stakeholder engagement in work system design, can serve as a pivotal strategy for sustainable environmental management. This approach not only enhances employees' physical and psychological well-being but also establishes an inseparable connection between technology, humans, and the environment by reducing occupational stress and natural resource consumption. Undoubtedly, interdisciplinary research in ergonomics and environmental sustainability can play a strategic role in achieving balanced development for future generations.
Zahra Jahani, Mahshid Namdari, Nastaran Keshavarz Mohammadi, Mahnaz Saremi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders, including back pain, are increasingly prevalent among school-aged children. Poor postural habits and improper backpack carriage are significant contributing factors. However, there is currently no comprehensive, standardized tool available to assess children’s knowledge of ergonomics related to spinal health.
Methods: This methodological study involved the development of a questionnaire through a seven-step process. Following the creation of the preliminary version and assessment of face validity, content validity was evaluated using the Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) by ten experts. The reliability of the instrument was assessed using a test-retest procedure with 15 students and internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient with a sample of 180 students.
Results: The final version of the questionnaire, entitled Kids’ Spine Ergonomics Awareness (KidSEA), comprised 13 items across three domains: "Spinal Anatomy," "Correct Posture," and "Ergonomics of Carrying School Supplies." The CVI and CVR for each item exceeded 0.79 and 0.62, respectively, indicating that all items were validated. Cohen’s kappa coefficient for individual items was above 0.41, and the overall Cronbach’s alpha was 0.74, demonstrating acceptable levels of reliability and internal consistency.
Conclusion: The KidSEA questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing knowledge of ergonomic principles related to spinal health in children. It can be utilized to evaluate health literacy concerning spinal care, design targeted interventions, and inform educational programs for children in the studied age group. Further studies are recommended to establish the validity of the instrument across different age groups.
Reza Masoudi, Zahra Saeidi, Shahla Abolhassani, Leili Rabiei,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Healthcare staff, due to the nature of their job, are exposed to various occupational hazards including ergonomic stressors, which can affect their health and lead to job burnout. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of ergonomic intervention on job burnout and resilience among employed nurses.
Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted with 70 nurses employed at Shohada Lordegan Hospital during the years 2018–2019 (1397-1398). The study units were randomly assigned by block randomization into two groups: intervention and control. The ergonomic intervention consisted of four stages (education, work modification, a regular exercise program with supervision, support, and follow-up) applied to the intervention group. The control group received no intervention. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The mean scores before, immediately after, and three months after the intervention were compared using SPSS version 23 with independent t-test, chi-square, and repeated measures ANOVA.
Results: There was no significant difference in the mean job burnout score between the two groups before the intervention (p>0.05). However, after the intervention, this difference became significant, with the intervention group showing less job burnout and greater resilience compared to the control group (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that implementing ergonomic intervention among nurses can reduce job burnout. Given the effectiveness of the intervention, it is recommended that ergonomic training programs be included in nursing educational curricula.
Ali Afshari,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: With the expansion of digital technologies and the increasing use of smart tools in workplaces, challenges such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and reduced employee productivity have emerged. This study aimed to examine the effects of digital workplace design and smart tools on employees’ physical and mental health as well as their productivity.
Methods: The research employed a descriptive-analytical field study design. The statistical population included administrative employees of selected organizations, 150 people were selected as a sample from the population above according to the Morgan table and stratified random sampling method. Data were collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Hoffman Employee Productivity Questionnaire. Hypotheses were tested using paired t-tests and regression analysis, with SPSS 25 applied for statistical computations.
Results: The findings revealed a significant negative relationship between musculoskeletal health and productivity (r = -0.47), indicating that increased musculoskeletal problems were associated with decreased efficiency (r = -0.41), task quality (r = -0.39), goal commitment (r = -0.45), and time management (r = -0.36). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that digital workplace design and the use of smart tools were significantly associated with a reduction in musculoskeletal problems (β = -0.52, p < 0.05) and an increase in employee productivity (β = 0.46, p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The results indicate that ergonomic workplace design combined with the use of smart tools reduces musculoskeletal discomfort and enhances employee productivity. These findings emphasize the importance of implementing ergonomic and technology-enhanced work environments to promote both employee health and organizational performance.
Nabi Omidi, Mohammad Reza Omidi, Mohsen Emami, Mohammad Reza Omidi,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objective: With the increasing expansion of digital banking, cyber threats have become a major financial and operational risk. This study aimed to design a model based on macro-ergonomic principles to strengthen cybersecurity resilience in order to reduce financial risk in the digital banking industry.
Methods: This study was conducted with a mixed approach. In the qualitative phase, 15 experts were interviewed and the data were examined with thematic analysis. In the quantitative phase, the resulting conceptual model was tested through a researcher-made questionnaire on a sample of 387 bank employees. Data analysis and evaluation of the final model were performed using structural equation modeling (SEM) in LISREL software.
Results: The qualitative analysis led to the identification of 5 main themes and 32 sub-themes that formed the dimensions of the model: technical-instrumental subsystem, human-psychological, organizational-structural, environmental-supervisory factors, and cybersecurity resilience (consequence). The results of the quantitative model test showed that the model has a good fit (CMIN/DF = 2.41, GFI = 0.92, CFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.061, SRMR = 0.057). All four macroergonomic dimensions had a positive and significant effect on cybersecurity resilience. Among them, the “organizational-structural subsystem” with a standardized path coefficient of 0.48 had the greatest effect and was identified as the strongest predictor.
Conclusion: The sociological-technical model based on macroergonomics provides an efficient framework for analyzing and strengthening cybersecurity resilience in digital banking; in such a way that increasing cyber resilience is expected to also help reduce financial risks. This result emphasizes the need to transition from purely technical approaches to a systemic and interactive approach between humans, technology, and organizational structure.
Shafe Abbasi, Roghaye Lotfi Esfahanjegh, Farideh Babakhani,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Footwear for foot support is recognized as a product for managing musculoskeletal disorders, and prolonged use of inappropriate shoes can have negative health consequences. Despite the growing use of these shoes in Iran, there is limited evidence regarding the associated clinical and practical challenges. Examining the experiences of vendors can help identify barriers to the supply and use of this product and provide practical data to improve prescription practices, consumer education, and the quality of clinical care.
Methods: This qualitative, ergonomics-focused study examined the challenges and opportunities of using foot-supportive footwear in Iran from the perspective of vendors. Data were collected using a modified Anderson questionnaire, validated by three orthotics and prosthetics specialists, and completed by 10 vendors. Thematic analysis of the data highlighted the needs and challenges related to foot-supportive footwear in the Iranian market.
Results: Athletes, individuals with normal weight, and those with forefoot deformities report the highest satisfaction with foot-supportive footwear, whereas people with conditions such as severe flat feet or back pain without custom insoles face challenges. Additionally, foot scanning and the design of personalized insoles play a crucial role in improving comfort and reducing foot pain.
Conclusion: Foot-supportive footwear, when designed and used ergonomically, can improve the function of foot muscles. However, individuals with back pain, high arches, heel spurs, corns, or various types of blisters should use them with caution, as improper use may exacerbate pain and worsen clinical symptoms.
Neda Sadat Jafari, Nabi Omidi, Mohammad Saraei Talab, Mohammad Reza Kermani, Elham Khosravi,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objective: This research was conducted to design and validate an integrated model for soft skills development, which combines technology-based empowerment with the principles of cognitive ergonomics.
Methods: This study utilized a mixed-methods approach with a sequential exploratory design. In the qualitative phase, in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 academic experts and senior bank managers selected through purposive sampling, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. In the quantitative phase, which employed a descriptive-survey design, the conceptual model derived from the qualitative phase was tested using a researcher-developed questionnaire on a sample of 395 employees from the headquarters and branches of Bank Refah Kargaran. Data analysis and model evaluation were performed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in AMOS 26 software.
Results: The qualitative analysis led to the identification of 4 main themes and 28 sub-themes that formed the model’s dimensions: technology-based empowerment, cognitive ergonomic considerations, contextual and organizational factors, and integrated soft skills development (as the outcome). The quantitative model test results showed that the model had a good fit, and all three predictive dimensions had a positive and significant effect on soft skills development. Among them, “contextual and organizational factors” had the greatest impact with a standardized path coefficient of 0.45, identified as the strongest predictor.
Conclusion: This finding emphasizes the necessity of a systemic perspective that recognizes the interaction among humans, technology, and organizational structure. It demonstrates that successful employee empowerment requires simultaneous attention to both technological tools and the principles of cognitive ergonomics.
Mehdi Beyramijam, Mohammad Sadegh Sohrabi, Mohammad Babamiri, Arezo Farhadi,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Policy Brief:
In today's world, research management systems in universities and research centers are recognized as essential tools for facilitating research processes. One of the key aspects of the success of these systems is their usability, which, if weak, can lead to reduced productivity, increased time spent by users, and decreased user satisfaction. Users of research management systems in universities often encounter issues such as complex menus, lack of clarity in search and reporting processes, and insufficient training. In this context, proposed policies for improving process design, feedback and reporting systems, structured training, continuous support, and ongoing user experience evaluation are presented to enhance system efficiency and user satisfaction. These recommendations can also be applied to other research and education management systems in universities and research centers. Therefore, focusing on usability and continuous system improvement can lead to increased efficiency and user satisfaction in these environments.
