A Review of Models for Mapping the Socio-Technical System

Abstract The premise of the paper is that the well known techniques of industrial engineering are less than adequate to deal with some important dimensions which characterize socio-technical systems. Several models are presented which appear to have promise for dealing with these inadequacies. Using the models makes certain demands on individuals involved in industrial engineering. For the practitioner, the problem is gaining familiarity with the behavioral and administrative concepts upon which the models are predicated so that they can correctly interpret the maps derived. For the researcher, the problem is one of clarification of procedures, validation, and classification so that the models can be correctly and easily applied.