Tripathi, Kartikeya;
(2018)
Study of deviation from security procedures by train drivers: a mixed-methods approach.
Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).
Abstract
Metro rail systems (MRS’s) face a serious threat from terrorist attacks using improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Rail operators rely on civilian staff to implement security procedures in response to reports of suspicious items on the network. Studies in the safety domain suggest that employees at the sharp end deviate from implementing procedures when they are under pressure to meet production goals. Using a mixed methods approach, this research was conducted to study whether same was true of security procedures in MRS’s, and if yes then what were the nuances of the process. The focus of research was a security standard operating procedure (SOP) implemented by train drivers of a MRS. Qualitative methods were used to identify the multiple goals drivers sought to meet in their work environment, their perception of the security procedure, and its impact on their goals in different driving conditions. Quantitative methods were then used to validate the qualitative findings by testing hypotheses on whether the drivers made the same trade-offs between security and other goals in actual train driving conditions of the MRS and a simulator. Results showed that there was a relationship between deviation from the procedure, the conditions in which it was performed and the drivers’ perception of the impact of the procedure and its constituent tasks on organisational and individual goals. Human error research served as the theoretical framework of this thesis and both the positivist approach of counting error and complex systems approach of appreciating the subjective viewpoint of workers were used to bring an in-depth understanding of deviation from a security SOP by metro rail drivers.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Qualification: | Ph.D |
| Title: | Study of deviation from security procedures by train drivers: a mixed-methods approach |
| Event: | University College London |
| Language: | English |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science > Dept of Security and Crime Science |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10041786 |
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