Background:
This proposal covers the post-scoping phases of the Project R2
Driver Performance Monitoring and Feedback Systems. The
major outcome of the scoping phase was the identification of a lack
of knowledge about and procedures for the best use of simulators in
training drivers. While a great deal of work has been done from a
Human Factors perspective on the design of simulators, there
have been very few studies of transfer of learning outside the
simulator or on the implementation of simulators in organisational
contexts. The consensus of opinion amongst the industry members of
the project steering committee is that simulators are under-used.
Hence, it is important that the industry identify how best to use
simulators to improve driver performance.
Objective:
This project aims to identify what simulator-based training is most
effective for and how training organisations need to organise
themselves to make the most effective use of simulators.
Project scope:
In summary the proposed research needs to establish:
- measures of performance that are most appropriate for
understanding the impact of simulator based training;
- methods to be used to gather the necessary information in such
a way as to put least cost and pressure on operators;
- skills to be prioritised as the focus of simulator based
training; and
- the comparisons between simulator based training and other
methods of training in cost, logistics and outcomes.
Benefits
The project benefits include:
- improved safety and reduced operational costs,
- more efficient and effective use of simulators,
- better and more consistently trained drivers, and
- savings on training through efficiently targeting simulator
use.
Expected outcomes:
The expected outputs (deliverables) will include:
- an evaluation framework which includes an extensive literature
review and the results of consultations across a range of transport
industries on appropriate measures and methods;
- an evaluation report which describes current practice and its
impact on performance;
- a matrix of contexts, mechanisms and outcomes in the use of
simulators which can be used to formulate proposals for the use of
simulators in different organisations, produced using a realist
evaluation methodology; and
- Delphi panels, workshops and consultations with operators to
initiate the development of organisation-specific practical action
plans.
Project timeframe:
2 years
Project Chair:
Louise Tsagaris, RailCorp
Project Leader:
Dr Lydia Kavanagh, University of Queensland
Tel: (07) 3365 4264
Email: l.kavanagh@uq.edu.au
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