Risk Assessment: Tools, Techniques, and Their Applications

5.4 Task Analysis Process

There are hundreds of task analysis techniques with advantages and disadvantages; therefore, you may want to use a mix of task analysis methods during your assessment process.

5.4.1 Step 1: Data Collection Information

Identifying the focus of the analysis helps in deciding what type of information should be collected and how it should be gathered. Focus on the system and what the results will be used for, such as in the design of a new system, modifying an existing system, or developing training.

Develop a list of tasks and positions associated with the overall job. Provide descriptions of each task that characterize the task according to issues of potential importance to the system, process, or job. How complex the system may be and the eventual application of the results will determine the level of analysis to be performed.

A system is composed of a job or jobs that ultimately lead to a common goal. Those jobs can be broken into tasks that must be performed in order to complete the job. The tasks can then be broken down into steps or what is referred to as subtasks. Those steps need to be performed in order to accomplish the overall task. Each task or subtask can be defined differently depending on the application. It is very important that consistency be applied within a given analysis.

Table 5.1 lists the types of information that might be required in order to complete a job.

Table 5.1 Required Types of Information

Task information

Identify tasks ...