Human Factors (Ergonomics): Human factors are the study of how humans behave physically and psychologically in relation to particular environments, products, or services. In other words, Human Factor is the scientific application of knowledge with the aim of making products, system, services and environments safe, efficient and easy to use.
Ergonomics is the science of the design of equipment, especially so as to reduce operator fatigue (tiredness), discomfort and injury.
Effective implementation of technology is totally depending on the human factor. Their knowledge, skills, and abilities determine the technology effectiveness and efficiency. Technology must address natural (physical and mental) abilities and ensures success and safety. It should add the value in human operation. There must be a close match between technology and human factors for enhancing effectiveness.
Science and Technology Policy 2005
Science and Technology policy was adopted by Nepal in 1989 for the overall development of scientific creativity. The amended S & T policy 2005 gave priority on;
- To use science and technology as a powerful means to increase production and productivity of the country.
- To create an environment for the maximum utilization of knowledge and skill of science and technology available in regional and international arena by promoting mutual cooperation with the bilateral, multilateral, regional and international
- To promote participation of private sector in the development of science and technology.
- To develop and mobilize skilled human resources.
- To extend the development of technology to the rural levels.
- To create a conducive environment to maintain high morale of the scientist and technologists and minimize the brain drain.
- To integrate university level teaching with research in science and technology.
- Embrace the concept of sustainable development, natural resource management and environmental protection in formulation and implementation of science and technology projects.
- Provide quality education in science and technology from primary education level.
Strategies formulated to address technology policy are as follows:
- Ensuring maximum utilization of available resources.
- Developing and adopting appropriate technology through the mobilization of private sector.
- Developing of a mechanism to conduct research and development activities.
- Contributing in the social-economic development of people through the development of knowledge and skills in the science and technology sector.
- Encouraging universities, concerned institutions and individuals in scientific researches.
Information Technology Policy -2009
Information Technology (IT) policy aims to build a knowledge based society and industries.
Major policies under IT policy 2009 are:
- To declare information technology sectors a prioritized sectors.
- To follow a single-door system for the development of information technology.
- To create conducive (favorable) environment that will attract investment in the private sector, keeping in view the private sector's role in the development of information technology.
- To provide internet facilities to all Village Development committees of the country in phases.
- To render assistance to educational institutions and encourage native and foreign training as a necessity of fulfilling the requirement of qualified manpower in various fields pertaining to information technology.
- To prioritize research and development of information technology.
- To computerize the records of each governmental office and build websites for them for the flow of information.
- To increase the use of computers in the private sector.
- To develop physical and virtual information technology park in various places with the private sector's participation for the development of information technology.
- To use information technology to promote e-commerce, e-education, e- health, among others, and to transfer technology in rural areas.
- To establish National Information Technology Centre.
- To establish a national level fund by mobilizing the resources obtained from Nepal Government, donor agencies, and private sectors so as to contribute to research and development of information technology and other activities pertaining to it.
- To establish venture capital funds with the joint participation of public and private sectors.
- To include computer education in the curriculum from the school level and broaden its scope.
- To establish Nepal in the global market through the use of information technology.
- To draft necessary laws that provides legal sanctions to the use of information technology.