Course Title: Macroergonomics and System Thinking

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Macroergonomics and System Thinking

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Azizur Rahman

Course Coordinator Phone: +61399256489

Course Coordinator Email: azizur.rahman@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required Prior Study 

You should have satisfactorily completed PUBH1012 Human Factors and Ergonomics before you commence this course. 

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.  

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. 


Course Description

Macroergonomics is concerned with the analysis, design, and evaluation of work systems, where two or more people interact with some kind of job design, hardware, software, internal or external environment, or organisational design. Systems Thinking is used to understand this interaction and combination. This may be as simple as understanding a human individual using a hand tool, or as complex as a multinational organisation.  

In this course you will examine the concepts and applications of sociotechnical methods, participatory ergonomics, integrated organizational interventions and organizational effectiveness. You will apply macro ergonomic methods and system thinking to design enhanced safety, training, performance, and job satisfaction, which are the expected outcomes of macro ergonomics.  


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) 

In course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:  

  • Determine and apply knowledge of complex occupational health and safety theory, principles and best practice to applied projects to contribute to the profession and discipline of occupational health and safety.
  • Critically analyse, synthesise and reflect on developments in occupational health and safety in both local and international contexts to extend and challenge knowledge and effective practice.
  • Professionally communicate and justify project scope, design, implementation, strategy and /or outcomes, engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders across a range of industry sectors.
  • Apply the specialist knowledge and technical skills required to creatively address the diverse needs of occupational health and safety practice, designing innovative solutions and demonstrating independent, sound and ethical decision making related to your professional practice and the discipline.
  • Provide strategic occupational health and safety advice and utilise leadership skills and teamwork skills to initiate, plan and guide the implementation of bespoke solutions across diverse occupational health and safety contexts, contributing to the discipline and professional arena 


Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) 

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

CLO1: Critically discuss the macro ergonomic strategies that may be used to examine, assess, and control work-related injuries. 

CLO2: Analyse sociotechnical aspects of existing systems in organizations 

CLO3: Apply macro ergonomic strategies to assessing, analyzing, designing, implementing, and evaluating work systems, organizational interventions  

CLO4: Evaluate the effectiveness of macro ergonomic interventions 


Overview of Learning Activities

Key concepts and their application will be set out in lectures, tutorials and through a range of relevant resources and readings. 

Real world scenarios on key topics will be used to build your capacity to think critically and analytically and apply developing knowledge of underpinning technical skills. 

You will receive feedback on academic progress when assignments are returned. 

You are expected to contribute to class discussion to enhance your reflective and communication skills.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. 

You will be directed to a range of texts, journal articles and other web-based material that provide a current understanding of the knowledge in this area. 

Lectures, voice files and other materials will be available on MyRMIT (Canvas).  

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the MyRMIT student portal. 


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. 

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Sociotechnical analysis of existing systems 30%, CLO2 and CLO3  

Assessment Task 2: Report and presentation on promoting participatory ergonomics 30%, CLO1 and CLO2 

Assessment Task 3: Organisational intervention and effectiveness.  CLO3 and CLO4 

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks. 

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more. 

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.