diff --git a/episodes/introduction.Rmd b/episodes/introduction.Rmd index a6ab578..26618cc 100644 --- a/episodes/introduction.Rmd +++ b/episodes/introduction.Rmd @@ -43,9 +43,54 @@ A fair strategy to follow is to gradually incorporate good practices in scientif - Keep track of changes, and - Manuscript writing. +But before incorporating any new practice, first, we can evaluate the **processes** we are following. A process-centred approach helps us remove the focus on human error, be aware that processes can fail people with good intentions, and accept that we can enter a continuous improvement cycle. + +> "By defining the process, we can begin to borrow from the rich field of operations, +which focuses primarily on (the) process. One paradigm that proves especially useful is +the concept of human error. The seminal book +_The Field Guide to Understanding Human Error_ +argues for a paradigm shift from the “Old World View” (that +when an error occurs it is an individual actor’s fault) to the “New World View” +(that when an error occurs, it is a symptom of a flawed system that failed that +individual actor) (Dekker 2014). When an error in an analysis occurs, it is safe +to assume (aside from nefarious actors) that the analyst did not want that error +to occur. Given that she thought she was producing an analysis free from errors, +you must look at the way she developed the analysis to understand where the +error occurred, and create safeguards so that the error does not occur again." ([Parker, 2017a](https://sachsmc.github.io/rpackage-workshop/opinionated-analysis-dev.pdf) and [Parker, 2017b](https://posit.co/resources/videos/opinionated-analysis-development/)) + +Repetitive events (like outbreak response and research data analysis projects) give us the opportunity to: + +- Focus on the **process** we have followed, +- Evaluate **where** bottlenecks occur, and then +- **Adopt** new practices to be better protected against errors in the next iteration. + +::::::::::::::::: callout + +### Deming Cycle + +This approach aims to follow a [Deming cycle](https://www.lean.org/lexicon-terms/pdca/) of Plan, Do, Check, and Act, as a foundation for continuous improvement. + +::::::::::::::::::::::::: + +::::::::::::::::: discussion + +Exercise: Your experience analyzing outbreak data (the latest... or the most chaotic!) + +Take 5 minutes. + +Reflect on these questions: + +- How do you **organize** your files and folders? +- Where do you **describe** what your project does or how to use it? Was it all in one accessible place? +- Could your project be **reused** by colleagues? Do you think it is? + +Share one idea from your neighbour. + +:::::::::::::::::::::::::::: + ## How can we start? -Our plan for this workshop is to prioritize three tools, given their usefulness once mastered and the time to master them: +Our plan for this workshop is to prioritize three tools, given their [usefulness once mastered and the time to master them](https://teachtogether.tech/en/index.html#s:motivation-authentic): - Use research compendium templates. - Make reproducible analysis.