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Questions and Answers
What is Human Factors?
What is Human Factors?
What can Human Factors measures quantify?
What can Human Factors measures quantify?
What are the benefits of operational attention to Human Factors in aviation environments?
What are the benefits of operational attention to Human Factors in aviation environments?
Which of the following is a measure that can be used to quantify human performance in the science of Human Factors?
Which of the following is a measure that can be used to quantify human performance in the science of Human Factors?
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What is the main objective of Human Factors in aviation environments?
What is the main objective of Human Factors in aviation environments?
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What does Human Factors identify in a system and adapt accordingly?
What does Human Factors identify in a system and adapt accordingly?
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Which of the following was a factor that led to the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster?
Which of the following was a factor that led to the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster?
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What was the impact of reducing the workforce by 25% on NASA's operations and safety?
What was the impact of reducing the workforce by 25% on NASA's operations and safety?
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What was the main cause of the Challenger disaster in 1986?
What was the main cause of the Challenger disaster in 1986?
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Study Notes
The Columbia Space Shuttle Disaster: Causes and Organizational Failures
- On February 1, 2003, the space shuttle Columbia disintegrated during re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in the loss of its seven-member crew.
- A piece of insulating foam had struck the leading edge of Columbia's left wing during launch, causing damage that ultimately led to the disaster.
- NASA management failed to perceive the significance of the damage and did not inspect the thermal protection system or make contingency plans.
- Engineers who voiced concerns were marginalized, and dissenting views were often ignored.
- NASA's culture and organizational structure were found to be as responsible for the disaster as the foam strike.
- The workforce was reduced by 25%, leading to a skill imbalance and increased workload that impacted operations and safety.
- Discussions about the damage to Columbia often revolved around the fact that previous strikes had never been classified as flight safety issues, leading to missed opportunities to address the problem.
- The pressure to meet an increasingly ambitious launch schedule, particularly the delivery of a section of the International Space Station, resulted in a culture of accepting more and more risk to stay on schedule, leading to a gradual degradation in safety.
- The Challenger disaster in 1986 was caused by similar engineering, organizational, and cultural deficiencies.
- High-reliability organizations prioritize both technical and safety functions equally with schedule and cost functions.
- The investigation reports, including the Columbia Accident Investigation Board and the Roger's Commission, provide comprehensive discussions of organizational and management issues leading to the disaster.
- Hindsight bias should be avoided in analyzing the disaster as it can overlook similar issues in other organizations.
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Description
Test Your Understanding of Human Factors with This Quiz! Discover how well you know about the science of Human Factors and its importance in designing or modifying systems to optimize human performance. Get ready to tackle questions on capabilities, limitations, and measures of human performance, and enhance your knowledge of this fascinating field!
