A study on the application of ergonomics on the Gokongwei College of Engineering faculty room layout and workstation

• Main Authors: Ching, Edric Warner S., Co, Prizzila, Nicole M., Ty, Lexandra Jessica L.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2013
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/10887
• Institution: De La Salle University

This thesis addresses the concerns and issues of the faculty members by improving the Gokongwei College of Engineering faculty room through the application of ergonomic principles and integration of needs that affect user satisfaction in line with upcoming renovation plans for Geronimo Velasco Hall. This concept was associated with limited literatures and studies pertaining to faculty offices, which in effect neglects contributing factors to the satisfaction of faculty members. Results from the current faculty room appraisal and analyses showed an average overall satisfaction rating of 3.32 (from 1 7-point Likert scale) and high GAP scores focusing on space, layout, and storage areas. Previous studies have indicated strong correlations among these aspects with workstation, further emphasizing the need for the development of a new faculty layout and workstation design. The process of design used different methods: trial and error and facilities planning for the layout, and integrated quality function deployment and Filipino anthropometric measurements for the workstation. 5 designs resulted from the layout and 6 alternatives were made for the workstation. The materials and accessories recommended for the proposed work area were also determined. By means of evaluation and selection, a workstation design (Privus) was conclusively selected and prototype. Testing and evaluation on the proposed layout and workstation utilized the same survey questionnaire and RULA analysis from the current evaluation. Results of the testing and analysis showed average overall satisfaction rating of 5.83, leading to a 75.93% improvement, at least 73.63% closure in the top 5 GAPs, and a minimum of 51.28% in all of the aspects. Action levels also showed a significant shift from a previous range of 3 - 4 to the current 1 - 2, indicating no action or immediate interventions were needed. Implications of this study proved that the proposed faculty layout and workstation have met the needs of the faculty members. Overall, this study showed the importance on the application of ergonomics in designing a faculty room. It also presented the different aspects that were considered as significant contributors to the satisfaction level of the faculty members. Concern and issues were addressed using the proper approaches in the analysis and method of design. It is in the hopes of this study to provide extensive knowledge for all future researchers that incorporate new ideas and design for the officers in educational institutes.