Rob Duimering, PhD, PEng

My research investigates social and behavioural aspect of technical systems, as well as communication, information processing, and cognition in groups and organizations. With my students and colleagues, I have used field studies to investigate design decision-making, product development, and communication and coordination in organizations. We have also used lab experiments to investigate individual and group problem solving, decision-making under subjective probability, and other aspects of human communication and cognition. Recently we have been exploring the use of machine learning/AI to model complex decision problems, as well as the behavioural effects of these tools.

Graduate studies opportunity:

I am currently recruiting a new MASc student with research interests related to the above topics. Due to funding rules, this position is limited to Canadian citizens or permanent residents only. Applicants with strong academic background and research potential are encouraged to email me their CV, academic transcripts, and a description of their research interests and experience. To be considered for admission, applicants must also submit a complete application for graduate studies in Management Sciences & Engineering (see link below).

• Social/Behavioural Aspects of Technical Systems
• Communication & Coordination in Organizations
• Cognitive Processes in Groups and Organizations
• Collaborative Group Problem Solving
• Design & Product Development

• 1998, Doctorate Management Sciences, University of Waterloo, Canada
• 1991, Master's Management Sciences, University of Waterloo, Canada
• 1988, Bachelor's Mechanical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Canada

• 2010 Faculty of Engineering Distinguished Performance Award
• 2011 University of Waterloo Outstanding Performance Award
• 2020 Faculty of Engineering Distinguished Performance Award

• Nickel, J., Duimering, P.R., Hurst, A., (2022). Manipulating the design space to resolve trade-offs: Theory and evidence, Design Studies, 79 (March), 101095 (29pp).
• Alattas, H., Duimering, P.R., (2022). Effects of Open-Endedness on Problem Solving Behaviour, Design Computing and Cognition'22 (J.S. Gero, ed.), Springer-Nature, 143-162.
• Ran, B., Duimering, P.R., (2010). Conceptual combination: Models, theories, and controversies, International Journal of Cognitive Linguistics, 1, 1: 65-90.
• Safayeni, F., Duimering, P.R., Zheng, K., Derbentseva, N., Poile, C., and Ran, B., (2008). Requirements Engineering in New Product Development: How Effective are the Socio-Technical Interactions?, Communications of the ACM, 51, 3: 77-82.
• Adejumo, G., Duimering, P.R., Zhong, Z., (2008). A balance theory approach to group problem solving, Social Networks, 30, 1: 83-99.
• Ran, B., Duimering, P.R., (2007). Imaging the organization: language use in organizational identity claims, Journal of Business and Technical Communication, 21, 2: 155-187.
• Clarke, D., Duimering, P.R., (2006). How computer gamers experience the game situation: A behavioral study, ACM Computers in Entertainment, 4,3: article 6 (23pp).
• Duimering, P.R., Ran, B., Derbentseva, N., Poile, C., (2006). The effects of ambiguity on project task structure in new product development, Knowledge and Process Management, 13, 4: 239-251.
• Duimering, P.R., Safayeni, F., (1998). The Role of Language and Formal Structure in the Construction and Maintenance of Organizational Images, International Studies of Management & Organization, 28, 3: 57-81.
• Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=OZ8YYZMAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao