Academic CV - Michael Taber

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Researcher

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0

Michael

Taber

VP Research & Development at N2M Consulting Inc.

St. Catharines, ON, Canada

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Contact Info

Resume

Education

Dalhousie University

2006 - 2011

Doctoral Degree , Interdisciplinary (Human factors, Industrial Engineering, Psychology)

Title: Human Systems Integration and Situation Awareness in Microworlds: An examination of Emergency Response within the Offshore Oil Command and Control Training System

Abstract: Existing guidelines detail assessment criteria that should be used to evaluate offshore emergency response (ER) team members’ performance; however, minimal research has investigated this testing. Therefore, using a Human System Integration approach, this thesis examines the impact of including an electronic Emergency Response Focus Board (ERFB) during simulation testing. Archival ER performance videos were analyzed, subject matter experts (SMEs) were interviewed, and an iterative human-centered design process was used to test prototype ERFBs. Situation awareness, accuracy, and reaction times were collected during ERFB testing in simulated emergencies. Results indicate that SMEs use different assessment factors to predict future ER performance and that the type of ERFB and offshore experience significantly influenced speed and accuracy of responses. Based on these results, it was concluded that a dynamic ERFB improves the development and maintenance of SA. Therefore, it was recommended that a similar ERFB configuration be implemented into future offshore ER assessments.

Dalhousie University

2004 - 2006

Master's Degree , Human Performance

Title: Simulated Helicopter Underwater Escapes: Anxiety Sensitivity and Human Performance

Abstract:

This thesis assesses whether the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (Revised) (ASI-R) and Underwater Escape Training Profile (HUET-P) questionnaires can be used to: (1) measure anxiety levels of participants conducting Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET), (2) predict performance of underwater escape skills, and (3) assess how anxiety sensitivity affects performance. To accomplish these objectives, 78 male offshore and military participants undertaking safety courses at Survival Systems Training responded to questions contained on the ASI-R and the HUET-P. A further 10 participants that were not included in safety training completed the ASI-R. Five hypotheses relating to past HUET experience, perception of threat versus challenge and military membership, were used to examine results from the questionnaires. HUET-P results indicated that there was no significant difference between participants attending HUET courses or between previously trained and untrained participants; however, military participants were significantly more likely than non-military participants to consider the training as a good way to practice their skills (p = .045). Untrained participants were significantly more likely to be concerned about keeping their job if they did not successfully complete the required skills (p =.03). ASI-R results indicated that a significant reduction occurred in overall scores obtained after the participants completed training (p < .001). Performance of underwater escape skills was not influenced by level of anxiety sensitivity or perception of threat; therefore, a prediction could not be made based on the ASI-R and HUET-P results. Further research is necessary to identify questions that can be used to predict performance of underwater escape skills. In addition to identifying questions, further research is needed to establish a more finely tuned assessment of performance during a HUET program.

Mount Saint Vincent University

1998 - 2002

Bachelor of Arts , Psychology/Business

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