OPERATOR VARIABILITY AND ITS INDUSTRIAL CONSEQUENCES

Abstract

Difficulties in defining fatigue have been recognized for many years; nevertheless, attempts are continually being made to give allowances for this nebulous phenomenon. Instead, attention should be directed towards the extent of the period of optimum performance, which is called the actile period. An operational description of the actile period is given. It is suggested that in light repetitive work the end of the actile period will be shown by an increase in variability— supporting evidence on self-paced, semi-paced and rigid-paced tasks is given. Organization of work so that a “pause” occurs at the end of the actile period will produce optimum performance. The nature of a “pause” is discussed. There will be an actile period also for non-repetitive work, although the nature of the indication of the end of the period in relation to specific jobs has still to be determined.