MMO5002 Safety and Human Factors

Contents and structure

The main focus of the course is on safety outcomes and interrelations between human, organization and technology. A variety of theories and empirical knowledge will be presented in order to demonstrate how a variety of factors come together and create the complex system called Maritime HTO. The course therefore presents:

In depth knowledge of human, technological and organizational factors, and the complex relationships between such factors, and how these interactions affect operative outcomes.

Introduction to general theories about psychological, social and cultural dynamics of organizations, including intercultural communicative challenges and how organizations work.

Introduction to theories about socio-technical systems, accident causation and safety. The course also presents knowledge about international regulations that govern nautical operations.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge about various human-technological-organizational factors related to management of complex maritime operations that can help minimizing unwanted events and enhance operational safety.

Knowledge:

The student has knowledge:

• About critical interfaces between human, organizational, and technological aspects in maritime operations, how humans create this interface and how they manage it.
• About systems theory
• About design principles for situation awareness
• Of what culture is and how cultural dynamics contribute to how individuals understand their environment, their understanding of themselves and how they interact.
• About how cultural differences introduce a particular challenge regarding the management of risk in maritime operations.

Skills: 

The student is able to:

• Apply tools, methods, and techniques to improve safety and organizational learning in maritime operations
• Analyze the complexities of interaction between technology, humans and organizational processes
• Employ their knowledge of complex human and organizational aspects in the design and operation of maritime operations
• Use theories about culture to identify how culture contributes to how people create, manage and struggle to improve operational organizations that deal with technological challenges.

General qualifications: 

The student:

• Knows how to critically assess the limitations and possibilities for maritime safety set by standards and regulations.
• Knows how to manage the complex and dynamic nature of technology, humans and organizational processes in relation to risk and safety in maritime operations.
• Knows how to critically examine causal arguments involving accident causation and prevention theories.
• Is awareness of risk associated with the negligence of critical human-technology-organization interfaces, including design principles. 
• Knows how to critically review maritime operations.
• Able to understand all the different concepts of culture that permeate the organizational literature, the strengths and weaknesses of the various concepts, and how they can be used in different ways in order to analyze the organization, create strategies and plan operations.
• Employ their knowledge of complex human and organizational aspects in the design and operation of maritime operations.
• Use theories about culture to identify how culture contributes to how people create, manage and struggle to improve operational organizations that deal with technological challenges.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic knowledge about safety theories and social sciences. 

Some experience from maritime industries.  

Teaching methods

Lectures, Interactive discussions and group work consisting of case studies and presentations.

Compulsory learning activities

The teaching is organized in form of three sessions spread out evenly throughout the semester.

Assessment

Semester paper, 100%.

Grading A-F.

Examination support material

All

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