Evaluating Timebands As A Tool For Structuring The Design Of Socio-Technical Systems

Structuring the design of a socio-technical system so that it fully meets its requirements is a complex problem. Typically, the system is described using hierarchical structures, but time is only represented as a single flat physical phenomenon. We have developed a framework that allows systems to be partitioned into a hierarchical series of time bands, such that the temporal properties can be adequately represented and exploited. We have used a simple scheduling model to evaluate the framework using sample scenarios from a case study in a neonatal unit. The results highlight: the importance of finding the right level of abstraction when identifying system activities; the need to ensure that appropriate precedences are allocated to activities that are part of larger procedures; and offer some support for the separation of concerns between bands.