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Guidelines for the Initiation and Implementation of Ergonomic Projects in Industrially Developing Countries - The Case of Iran: Policy Brief
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.

Ergonomic Interventions in Knowledge-based Companies
Mohammad Sadegh Sohrabi,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (4-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: In the last decade in Iran, the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort among office workers has been reported in the neck, back, and shoulder areas. The present study aimed to assess the impact of ergonomic interventions in knowledge-based companies on musculoskeletal disorders, work-related stress, and quality of work life.
Methods: In this quasi-randomized controlled trial study, the participants, including 311 office workers, received ergonomic interventions at both individual and managerial levels.
Results: The implementation of individual ergonomic training interventions significantly reduced disorders in the neck, right and left shoulders, right forearm, and right wrist. Social support also demonstrated a significant increase in all three intervention groups. The interventions had a significant impact on the quality of working life. The changes in the mean quality of working life for the second and third groups in the first month of growth were significant and then continued similar to the trend of the control group.
Conclusion: The implementation of individual ergonomic training interventions significantly reduced musculoskeletal disorders in the neck, shoulders, and upper limbs. Nonetheless, management training interventions did not affect the musculoskeletal disorders of employees. Furthermore, concurrent implementation of individual ergonomics and management interventions exerted a more pronounced effect on the reduction of disorders. The implementation of management educational interventions and combined interventions led to a marked increase in the level of control experienced by participants, while both types of social support interventions also increased. The implementation of a multi-component ergonomics intervention program was demonstrated to enhance the impact of interventions on employees' health and productivity.

Investigating the Factors Affecting the Performance of Urban Bus Drivers Using the Macro Ergonomics Approach: A Qualitative Study
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.

Application of Participatory Ergonomics Principles as a Strategy for Sustainable Environmental Management
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.

A Model Based on Macro-ergonomics to Improve Cybersecurity Resilience and Reduce Financial Risk in Digital Banking: A Mixed-Method Study
Nabi Omidi, Hasan Ghanbarzadeh, Mohsen Emami, Mohammadreza Omidi,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Objectives: With the increasing expansion of digital banking, cyber threats have become a significant financial and operational risk. This study aimed to develop a model grounded in macro-ergonomic principles to enhance cybersecurity resilience and reduce financial risk in the digital banking industry.
Methods: This study used a mixed-methods approach. In the qualitative phase, 15 experts were interviewed, and the data were examined using thematic analysis. In the quantitative phase, the resulting conceptual model was tested using a researcher-developed questionnaire administered to 387 bank employees. Data analysis and final model evaluation were performed using structural equation modeling (SEM) in LISREL software.
Results: The qualitative analysis identified five 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 had a good fit (minimum discrepancy function by degrees of freedom divided [CMIN/DF] = 2.41, goodness of fit index [GFI] = 0.92, comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.94, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.061, standardized root mean square [SRMR] = 0.057). All four macro-ergonomic 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 most critical impact and was identified as the strongest predictor.
Conclusion: The sociotechnical model based on macroergonomics provides an efficient framework for analyzing and strengthening cybersecurity resilience in digital banking, thereby helping reduce financial risks. This result emphasizes the need to transition from purely technical approaches to a systemic, interactive approach among humans, technology, and organizational structures.

The Relationship between participation and creativity employees in the university oversight units
Zahra Toosi, Yadollah Hamidi, Mahdi Beglari, Alireza Soltanian,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objectives
According to new organizational and management theories, one of the most important elements and tasks of management is creating the necessary environment for creativity to transform the organization. It has been shown that increasing creativity and employee participation improves organizational productivity. Given the importance of governance roles in universities and the potential impact of management studies in these areas, this study aimed to assess the level of creativity among staff and its relationship with their participation in the university.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted in strategic and oversight units directly affiliated with the university presidency. A standard questionnaire, including "Belcher’s Partnership" and "Randsip's Creativity", was used to collect information. Data were analyzed using SPSS16 software, and correlations were determined using t-tests, chi-square, and the Pearson correlation coefficient with a significance level of less than 0.05.
Results
The average creativity score of staff was 180.41, and the participation rate was 113.83, both representing more than 75% of the total score. The results did not indicate a direct correlation between employee creativity and their participation (r = 0.210). There was a difference in creativity between men and women, with women showing higher average creativity scores than men. Employee participation and creativity levels are significantly influenced by the nature of their work.
Conclusion
It is essential to provide a conducive environment for increased participation and creativity, particularly in governance roles where legal constraints may be present. Additionally, our analysis revealed a significant impact of gender on creativity, highlighting that women in supervisory and decision-making roles demonstrate a unique and valuable form of creativity. Therefore, leveraging the presence of women in strategic and oversight units can enhance creativity in positions that require innovative thinking.
 

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