Application of the Cohen, March and Olsen 'Garbage Can' Decision Process Theory to the Operational Battle Group Commander.

Abstract

To evaluate the usefulness of a decision support system utilizing the Cohen, March and Olsen 'Garbage Can' decision theory in support of Battle Group Command operations. This thesis broadens the knowledge of decision support system application in an operational flag staff organization, with specific emphasis given to the usefulness of the Cohen, March and Olsen garbage can decision model in such an environment. It contains background history on the Composite Warfare Concept (CWC) and interfacing problems, a review of the topical area in study, and specifically addresses a methodology of data collection in an actual group situation for subsequent program implementation and validation. Included in this study is a brief statistical analysis of the program results. The main source of information for the thesis was interviews of senior U.S. Navy officers knowledgeable in the CWC concept and/or Command, Control, and Communications, and an exhaustive literature search of pertinent articles.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1984
Accession Number
ADA146352

Entities

People

  • D. M. Birdwell
  • W. A. Lillard

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Command And Control
  • Decision Support Systems
  • Information Processing
  • Information Systems
  • Military Commanders
  • Military Operations
  • Military Organizations
  • Navy
  • Organizational Structure
  • Simulations
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Statistics
  • Task Forces
  • United States
  • Voice Communications
  • War Games
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Instructional Design and Training Evaluation.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Systems Analysis and Design