Integrating ergonomics knowledge into business-driven design projects: The shaping of resource constraints in engineering consultancy

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Hall-Andersen, Lene Bjerg^a | Neumann, Patrick^b | Broberg, Ole^{a; *}

Affiliations: [a] Engineering Systems Group, Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark | [b] Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Ole Broberg, Engineering Systems Group, Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Building 424, DK 2800 Lyngby, Denmark. Tel.: +45 4525 6033; E-mail: obro@dtu.dk.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The integration of ergonomics knowledge into engineering projects leads to both healthier and more efficient workplaces. There is a lack of knowledge about integrating ergonomic knowledge into the design practice in engineering consultancies. OBJECTIVES: This study explores how organizational resources can pose constraints for the integration of ergonomics knowledge into engineering design projects in a business-driven setting, and how ergonomists cope with these resource constraints. PARTICIPANTS: An exploratory case study in an engineering consultancy was conducted. A total of 27 participants were interviewed. METHODS: Data were collected applying semi-structured interviews, observations, and documentary studies. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and categorized into themes. RESULTS: From the analysis five overall themes emerged as major constituents of resource constraints: 1) maximizing project revenue, 2) payment for ergonomics services, 3) value of ergonomic services, 4) role of the client, and 5) coping strategies to overcome resource constraints. CONCLUSION: We hypothesize that resource constraints were shaped due to sub-optimization of costs in design projects. The economical contribution of ergonomics measures was not evaluated in the entire life cycle of a designed workplace. Coping strategies included teaming up with engineering designers in the sales process or creating an alliance with ergonomists in the client organization.

Keywords: Engineering consultancy, engineering design, resources, organizational design and management

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162400

Journal: Work, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 335-346, 2016