The view of a complex real-time computer-based application system as one in which not only automated machine components are embedded but also human servers, especially those who pe f o r m time-sensitive tasks in close interaction with machine components, are "embedded" as components, is adopted. Efforts for optimal scheduling of executing components can then be applied not only to the machine components but also to embedded human operators, preferably in a uniform integrated fashion. The notion of the risk incursion function (RIF) introduced earlier by the authors is advocated as the guide for optimal allocation of both machine and human resources. Also, an approach to uniform representation of application environments, machine functions and components, and human functions and components in the form of a uniform network of realtime objects is advocated.