Iranian Journal of Ergonomics

Usability of Research and Educational Systems: A Policy Brief

Mohammad Sadegh Sohrabi

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.

Designing an Integrated Model for Soft Skills Development of Bank Refah Kargaran Employees: An Empowerment Approach Based on Technology Management and Cognitive Ergonomics

Nabi Omidi

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.

The Relationship Between Employees' Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence and Occupational Depression: The Mediating Role of Perceived Job Insecurity and Perceived Job Fit

Simindokht Kalani

Objectives: The rapid integration of artificial intelligence in workplace environments has transformed job structures, automated tasks, and altered employees’ work experiences. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between employees’ attitudes toward artificial intelligence and occupational depression, with the mediating roles of perceived job insecurity and perceived job fit.
Methods: In this descriptive–correlational study, 261 employees of the Telecommunication Company of Kerman Province were selected using convenience sampling and completed the Schepman & Rodwav (2020) Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence Scale, Nassasira (2020) Job Insecurity Questionnaire, Shafi Abadi and Rezaei (1997) Occupational Self-Concept Questionnaire, and Bianchi and Schonfeld (2020) Occupational Depression Inventory. The conceptual model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling.
Results: A positive attitude toward artificial intelligence was associated with a significant reduction in occupational depression (b=-0.12, p=0.038) decreased job insecurity (b=-0.501, p<0.001), and increased job fit (b=0.471, p<0.001). Job insecurity showed a positive relationship with occupational depression (b=0.417, p<0.001), whereas job fit showed a negative relationship (b=-0.243, p<0.001). Job insecurity (b=-0.209, p<0.001) and job fit (b=-0.114, p=0.002) mediated the relationship between attitudes toward artificial intelligence and occupational depression.

Conclusion: A positive attitude toward artificial intelligence reduces occupational depression by decreasing job insecurity and increasing job fit. The findings highlight the importance of fostering positive attitudes toward artificial intelligence through training, role redesign, and transparent communication within organizations to strengthen employees’ psychological security and perceived job fit

Ranking of stressful job areas and their relationship with health ‎performance during the COVID-19 pandemic ‎

Roholah Hosseini ‎

Background and Objectives:The ‎UK Health and Safety Institute believes that the factors that cause occupational stress can ‎be examined in the form of set of management standards such as demand areas, changes, ‎support from officials, support from colleagues, communication, control and role. The ‎current research was conducted with the aim of investigating the seven areas that cause ‎occupational stress and its relationship with the occupational performance of Saveh ‎Medical Sciences employees during the Covid-19.

Methods: This research is an applied and cross-sectional research. The census ‎method was used in the present research. The number of research samples is ‎‎316 people. The employees of the Health Department of Saveh Faculty of ‎Medical Sciences were selected in 2022. To investigate the management of ‎occupational stress and the performance of the employees, the standard ‎questionnaires for occupational stress assessment (HSE) and the Patterson ‎performance assessment were used, respectively. Data analysis was performed ‎using SPSS26software.
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Results: ‎The results of this study showed that with the increase in the total score of occupational ‎stress management as well as the areas of role, demand and changes, the total score of ‎occupational performance of health workers increased significantly (P<0.001), while this ‎relationship for the variables of the relationship area (06P=0.00), the support of officials ‎‎(P=0.82), the support of colleagues(P=0.28) and control (P=0.18) were not significant. ‎After adjusting the confounding effect of 7 areas on job performance, the role variable ‎significantly had the greatest impact on the changes in employees' performance scores ‎‎(P<0.001).
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Conclusion: The demand domain score probably indicates that high work pressure and increased working hours have a significant impact on employee stress. Therefore, it is suggested that the workload and schedule be adjusted to the capacity, working conditions, and ability of employees through a review of organizational planning.

Barefoot Shoes and the Clinical Challenges of Their Use in Iran: A Qualitative Study from the Perspective of Retailers

Shafe Abbasi

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.

Designing a Sociotechnical Model Based on Macroergonomic Principles to Enhance Cybersecurity Resilience and Reduce Financial Risk in the Digital Banking Industry

Mohammad reza Omidi

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.

Evaluating the Effects of Digital Workplace Design and Smart Tools on Musculoskeletal Health and Employee Productivity in Modern Office Environments

Ali Afshari

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.

Sex Differences in Hand Anthropometric Dimensions, Grip Strength, and Manual Dexterity: A Study among Dental Students

Background: The dental profession requires high levels of precision and fine motor control. Hand anthropometric dimensions, grip strength, and manual dexterity play critical roles in ergonomic tool design and performance. This study aimed to investigate gender differences in hand anthropometry, grip strength, and manual dexterity among dental students.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 100 dental students (51 females and 49 males) at Urmia University of Medical Sciences. Hand dimensions were measured using a digital caliper, grip strength using a Jamar dynamometer, pinch strength using a SAEHAN pinch gauge, and manual dexterity using the Roeder test. Independent t-test was applied for gender comparisons.
Results: Male students had significantly larger hand dimensions and higher grip strength than females (p<0.001). However, there was no significant gender difference in manual dexterity (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Notable gender differences were found in hand anthropometry and grip strength but not in dexterity. Ergonomic design of dental instruments should consider these differences to reduce musculoskeletal strain and improve precision.