Functions and tasks (i.e., composite tasks and discrete tasks) are components in a taxonomy used to describe the typical activities performed by TMOTs in North America. See the tutorial Distinguishing Functions and Tasks if unsure of whether an activity is a function, a composite task, or a discrete task. As shown in figure 1, a function is made up of composite tasks, and composite tasks are made up of discrete tasks. Keep in mind that all functions and tasks used in this tool should be associated with work performed by the TMOT position only; this tool does not support maintainers, supervisors, or other TMC personnel. The base set of functions and tasks included in this tool encompasses most of the functions commonly performed by TMCs. However, each TMC is unique and may differ from other TMCs in the services it provides and the functions it performs. Therefore, it may be necessary to create new functions or tasks that are not part of the base set of functions and tasks to fully characterize a particular TMC. Use the list of existing functions, composite tasks, and discrete tasks (List of Functions and Tasks) as a guide in creating new functions and tasks, and ensure that the new function or task does not duplicate an existing function or task.
Figure 1. Chart. Generic breakdown of functions into tasks.
A new function, composite task, or discrete task may be needed to describe an aspect of a TMOT position that is not covered by the existing functions and tasks. The output generated by your selections will include a prompt for additional information only if a new discrete task is created. In other words, the creation of a new function or new composite task will not affect the output you receive unless you also create at least one underlying discrete task. Each discrete task must be associated with a single composite task, and each composite task must be associated with a single function. Before creating new functions or tasks, examine the existing functions and composite tasks to determine how to accommodate the creation of a new function or task. For example, consider whether a new composite task fits under an existing function or requires the creation of a new function, and determine the underlying discrete task(s).
For example, management of bridges and tunnels is not explicitly included in the list of base functions. If a TMC is responsible for managing a network of bridges and tunnels, and some TMOTs devote a large percentage of their time to managing the bridges and tunnels, it may be useful to add a "Bridge and Tunnel Management" function and the composite and discrete tasks that comprise that function. If managing bridges and tunnels does not occupy a large percentage of TMOT time but does influence TMC operations (in congestion and incident management, for instance), it may be useful to add composite and discrete tasks to the existing functions that are impacted by traffic conditions associated with bridges and tunnels.
A function (e.g., "Provide Travel Information") is an ongoing purpose for which a set of related activities are performed in the TMC. A function can be seen as an output or an achievement that the TMC accomplishes as a whole. Each function must contain at least one composite task. The base functions contain from 1 to 21 composite tasks, with 4 or 5 composite tasks being a typical number.
A straightforward way to name a function is to identify a verb that conveys the action being taken, and a word or phrase that conveys the object of the action (e.g., "Manage Records"). Good action verbs for functions include manage, monitor, provide, and coordinate. Alternatively, the function name can be transformed to an equivalent noun phrase (e.g., "Records Management").
It is acceptable but not necessary for function names to be fully descriptive of the action and the object of the action. For example, the function "Records Management" could be more fully described as "Manage Operations and Maintenance Records," but was shortened in the interest of brevity. The composite tasks that are defined for the function provide a more complete description of the function.
Tasks are smaller activities, and are more distinct than functions. There are two types of tasks: composite tasks and discrete tasks. Composite tasks (e.g., "Collect Traveler Information to be Posted," "Update and Post Traveler Information") include a set of discrete tasks that a TMOT performs to support a function. Composite tasks are associated with general goals. As discussed above, composite tasks can be further broken down into the individual steps, called discrete tasks, that are taken to accomplish the composite task (e.g., "Record/note all traveler information," "Selectively keep record of traveler information request"). Discrete tasks are specific work objectives, typically short in duration. There are over one-thousand discrete tasks associated with the TMOT position. Each discrete task is associated with only one higher-order composite task, and each composite task is associated with only one higher-order function.
Task names have a similar format as function names. Good action verbs for tasks include assess, coordinate, detect, determine, formulate, identify, implement, maintain, monitor, perform, post, provide, receive, retrieve, select, sense, transmit, store, and verify. Tasks also include a descriptive phrase (e.g., "Manage Toll System Management Data," [composite task] "Archive/retrieve recorded toll violation/enforcement data" [discrete task]), which usually includes the object of the action verb.
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