Seven case studies on computerization: Effects on work organization,job content,and qualification structure

This paper deals with empirical findings in different types of computerized systems. The purpose of the studies is to find out what is specific to the process of computerization compared to other examples of automation and other aspects of social development. The qualification problem is treated from three different approaches and analyzed in the seven case studies.The author's main argument is, that in many cases different aspects of the process of social change which often are related solely or primarily to the process of computerization should rather be related to other facets of technological and social development. Automation is not an abstract matter of “Man Mastering Nature”, but an economical oriented trial of managers to master the variations of the working system including the human variabilities.The point is, that work organization is an independent variable and not just a consequence of computerization. To change work organization should not be regarded only as a problem of designing the man-machine system in an appropriate way, but a problem of changing the whole social system, for instance under the influence of the unions.     

Human systems design criteria: State of the art[1979] and future perspectives

This paper deals with the problem of designing more humanised computer systems. This problem can be formally described as the need for defining human design criteria, which — if used in the design process - will secure that the systems designed get the relevant qualities. That is not only the necessary functional qualities but also the needed human qualities.The author's main argument is, that the design process should be a dialectical synthesis of the two points of view: Man as a System Component, and System as Man's Environment. Based on a man's presentation of the state of the art a set of design criteria is suggested and their relevance discussed.The point is to focus on the operator rather than on the computer. The crucial question is not to program the computer to work on its own conditions, but to “program” the operator to function on human conditions.     

Use of Facebook,Tuenti, Twitter and Myspace among young Spanish people

This research describes and analyses the use made by young Spanish people of Tuenti, Facebook, Twitter and Myspace, exploring several variables: level of functional knowledge; frequency of use; place of use; reason for use; purpose and main activity; recipients of communication; degree of difficulty, satisfaction and preference; and intentions regarding future use. We designed and administered an online questionnaire to 757 students enrolled in secondary education (7th–11th levels and Vocational Education and Training) at seven educational centres. The results show that young Spanish people know about and use social networks on a daily basis. Tuenti was the one used with most frequency, followed by Facebook and Twitter. Myspace was the least known and used. Female subjects had a greater functional knowledge of these networks and reported a higher regular use of them. Participants used the social networks in their homes and preferred Tuenti because it is easy to use, allows them to communicate with friends and classmates and provides them with acceptable satisfaction as regards their need for prestige, acceptance and approval through the creation and maintenance of groups of friends and the publication of their achievements and self-realisations. The implications of the results obtained for psychological and social development are discussed.     

The PROTEVS approach: A short presentation of background,principles and methods

Prototyping is not a new approach to computer-based information system development. It is just one technique among many used in system design. What might be new is for what purpose prototyping is used. The purpose could be to achieve a more user controlled system development and to give the future users a tool that will enable them to fully participate in not only the work with requirements specifications, but also in the actual systems design and organisational change. This paper describes a working model of an approach-the PROTEVS model-in which it is recommended that the future system users design their own prototype systems. The prototypes may act as both requirements specifications and solutions for actual change. This alternative approach aims to offer a basis for new ways of action for future users as participants in the design, evaluation, and change of a workplace. A suitable environment for the approach to act within is also described—a local design shop.