Activity [a]
Activity is an action (sequence of tasks) designed to contribute a specified end result to the
accomplishment of an objective. It has an identifiable beginning and end that is a measurable
component of the duties and responsibilities of a specific activity [a].
The following are characteristics of [a]:
An [a] has a definite beginning and end.
[a] are performed in relatively short periods of time. They are usually measured in minutes or
hours.
[a] are observable. By observing the performance of a [a] holder, a definite determination
can be made that the [a] has been performed.
Each [a] is independent.
An [a] statement is a statement of a highly specific action. It always has a verb and an
object. It may have qualifiers, such as measure distances with a tape measure. An [a]
statement should not be confused with an objective that has conditions and standards.
[a] have:
1. frequency
2. Importance
3. Criticality
4. Difficulty (risky)
Task steps
Task steps (also known as performance steps) are the step-by-step instructions for performing the
process. They describe each step in sequence. You should ask, What does the user do first, second,
third, and so on? Take nothing for granted as experts may do some things so quickly that they are
almost invisible. Often, they will not even be aware of the fact that they are performing something
because they have done it so many times it just seems second nature to them.
There are four main methods for determining the steps in a task analysis:
Hierarchical Task Analysis - arranging by order of actions
Most task analyses follow this method. Steps are arranged in the order they are
performed.
It is not always easy to identify what a task step is as experts often group several steps
into a larger one.
For example, they might list open the daily receiving spreadsheet file, instead of 1)
start computer, 2) open spreadsheet program, 3) etc. If you are going to use the task
steps for training purposes, then you are going to have to identify your target
population. This will tell you how detailed the steps need to be. For example, if your
target population is computer literate, then the expert's combined step might be
appropriate, otherwise, you might have to break it into several smaller steps. There is
no one right way to list steps as each circumstance will differ. This is why the first part
of an analysis is crucial - to determine what type of information is needed and who
your target population is.
IF and THEN Analysis - If and then relationship
Often, the task performer's action depends upon a condition being satisfied.
Model Based Analysis - possible actions listed
This method is often used for professional tasks as the steps for performing certain
tasks can be extremely vague to define. Although performance is based on
methodologies, there might not be any clear and cut guidelines for performing the
task.
Cognitive Task Analysis - critical decision based
Due to the rapid changes that are the major workings of many of today's organizations,
a number of organizations are changing from task-based work to process-based. That
is, they are becoming more knowledge-based. These jobs are no longer defined by a
number of tasks, but by focusing on troubleshooting activities.
There are four kinds of dependencies with respect to ordering terminal elements (in order
of decreasing frequency of use):
1. Finish to start (FS)
o A FS B = B can't start before A is finished
o
o
(Foundations dug) FS (Concrete poured)
2. Finish to finish (FF)
o A FF B = B can't finish before A is finished
o
o
(Last chapter written) FF (Entire book written)
3. Start to start (SS).
o A SS B = B can't start before A starts
o
o
(Project work started) SS (Project management activities started)
4. Start to finish (SF)
o A SF B = B can't finish before A starts
(New shift started) SF (Previous shift finished)