Dr. Robert K. Branson

Interests:
- Behavioral health interventions
- Performance technology
- Change management
- Performance support systems
- Job and task analysis

Design, development, and implementation of technology supported performance improvement systems in individuals and large organizations.

Change management, large system design
Design and development of computer-based training and performance support systems.

Obesity and type 2 diabetes, both of which are ameliorated by personal changes in life style, account for billions in unnecessary medical expenses and a lower quality of life. Reviews of the literature on change have revealed few measures or potential measures of resistance. Some work has been directed toward finding and measuring factors that facilitate the implementation of change. We are now seeking funding to measure change facilitation in a controlled setting. We particularly intend to base our work on prior research on mental workload, cognitive load, and shared mental models. Our approach will be based on models of self-efficacy and self-management research.

Increased globalization and decreased cycle times create turbulence in organizations, whether they focus on manufacturing, service, or information. Reducing change turbulence can facilitate change and reduce costs by focusing on adding value.

Any organization that is fiscally responsible for health care costs could benefit significantly from lifestyle changes in their employees or clients. We propose to facilitate lifestyle changes through monitoring and the use of special applications software hosted on a PDA.