Review Information with the Team cont'd

These questions usually encourage the contributor or another team

member to respond by saying "If the worker doesn't know theory X, he

or she can't

." This should suggest an observable task

statement.

Second, remind the team that each task statement must contain an

observable, measurable action verb. Have the team use the list of action

Review acceptable

verbs (provided in the Workshop section of their Participant Manual) as

action verbs

a job aid to choose the most appropriate action verb. Unacceptable

statements are any that begin as follows:

The worker should know . . .

The worker must understand . . .

The worker has to appreciate . . .

Third, remind the team of the most appropriate level at which to write

Determine the level

the tasks. The level will depend on (a) the scope of the job being

at which to write

analyzed, (b) the complexity of the facility, and (c) how the team chose

tasks

to group duty areas. The overriding principle is that the tasks must be

useful for further SAT processes and the total number of tasks must be

manageable. Because of your preparation prior to the seminar, you

should have determined the most appropriate task level and guided team

members to agreement on the level during the "Overview" lesson.

A concern often arises over the specification of tasks related to the tools

and equipment of the trade. Generally tools or equipment operation

should be included as task statements only when they reflect actual

occupational tasks. Instruct the team to think about whether the tool is

used as a means to an end. For example, an auto mechanic may use

several tools when performing the task of "adjust a carburetor." The

mechanic's use of a screwdriver and other wrenches in the process do

not represent tasks by themselves.

Similarly, the verb "operate" is not normally used correctly. Using the

verb "operate" in a task statement can lead to tasks being written at too

low a level or at too high a level. For example, "operate a forklift" is

typically at too low a level. The purpose for operating the forklift

(e.g., "pick up pathological waste" or "store hazardous waste") would be

the actual task, with "operate the forklift" being one step involved in

Table-Top Job Analysis

Rev 1: December 22, 1994

Facilitator Guide

5480.20 Seminar Series

121