Virtual training systems deliver training within a virtual environment (VE) using virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) technologies. However, to be fully accepted as a valid tool for training within the automotive industry, evidence is required on the ability of these systems to deliver effective and efficient training to the relevant users. This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness and efficiency of the first prototype of the virtual training system (VTS) developed within the VISTRA (Virtual Simulation and Training of Assembly and Service Processes in Digital Factories) project (FP7‐ICT‐285176), using real end users from the OPEL automotive plant in Rüsselsheim, Germany. Two separate and independent studies were employed that used objective and subjective methods of investigation to establish performance and usability measures. The objective results show that virtual training was effective in reducing error during task performance when compared to traditional training. The subjective results concluded that the opinions of the participants were mainly positive concerning the overall use of the VTS for assembly operation training; however, a number of issues were highlighted and reported to the developers for further advancement of the system.

The role of human factors/ergonomics in supporting renewable energy initiatives has not been fully exploited. A range of case studies explore user needs and awareness of renewable energy, presenting mixed evidence for reduced consumption. However, individual behaviour and social learning can be influenced through increased feedback that acts as a facilitator to change.

This paper outlines the approach taken to iteratively evaluate a set of VR/AR (virtual reality / augmented reality) applications for five different manual-work applications -terrestrial spacecraft assembly, assembly-line design, remote maintenance of trains, maintenance of nuclear reactors, and large-machine assembly process design -and examines the evaluation data for evidence of the effectiveness of the evaluation framework as well as the benefits to the development process of feedback from iterative evaluation. ManuVAR is an EU-funded research project that is working to develop an innovative technology platform and a framework to support high-value, high-knowledge manual work throughout the product lifecycle. The results of this study demonstrate the iterative improvements reached throughout the design cycles, observable through the trending of the quantitative results from three successive trials of the applications and the investigation of the qualitative interview findings. The paper discusses the limitations of evaluation in complex, multi-disciplinary development projects and finds evidence of the effectiveness of the use of the particular set of complementary evaluation methods incorporating a common inquiry structure used for the evaluation -particularly in facilitating triangulation of the data.

A Community of Practice (CoP) is a framework for the facilitation of knowledge management and involves groups of individuals who engage in the process of collective learning around a specific topic. Recent advances in computer technology and Web 2.0 applications now allow for virtual communities to be established which permit interaction and collaboration between individuals across organisational boundaries and geographical locations. The Use-it-Wisely (UIW) project aims to design and develop a cross-industrial virtual community to support the operating environment of manufacturing organisations. Successful implementation of a virtual community has the potential to strengthen the competitive advantage of the industries involved, securing domestic employment and providing products and services that are capable of adapting to the organisational goals. This chapter provides a general overview of the literature on CoPs and virtual communities. It discusses the development of the concept of CoPs, and considers how this relates to knowledge management lifecycle and learning theories. This is followed by a discussion on the use of CoPs and virtual communities as a knowledge management strategy for the manufacturing industry, including multinational companies and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The chapter finishes by discussing the essential elements for creating and maintaining a self-sustainable virtual community to enable information sharing and decision support across and between the organisations. This includes the factors required to foster a successful virtual community concerning the purpose, content, context, conversations, connections and technology, and the risks and challenges that could lead to the failure of a CoP to be sustained.

This paper introduces the concept of the Human Domain within military operations and considers how it has evolved from Cultural Geography into more specific sub-components of Human Geography and Human Terrain. At a high level, Human Geography and Human Terrain map across to strategic and tactical decision-making respectively. However, there is a confusing array of terminology and definitions surrounding these factors. Given this complexity, what might have originally been considered a Human Domain continuum from a strategic level down to a tactical level may be better represented as overlapping constructs on a spectrum of understanding, each with their own approaches to data capture and analysis.