A Methodology to Develop Interactive Decision Support Systems for Complex United States Air Force Logistics Planning

Abstract

Designing effective decision support systems for complex logistics planning is necessarily challenging to accomplish. Only now, with the advent of the Air Expeditionary Force concept of operations and impending advancements in logistics database capabilities, is an effective desktop decision support system for production level supervisors a feasible reality. Several factors including knowledge about resources and requirements, uncertainty, work domain task constraints, and database capabilities influence the decision making process of the logistics professional. To develop effective decision support systems, this research proposed a methodology that incorporates image theoretical constructs, work domain analysis, decision analysis, and knowledge-based heuristical modeling to capture and transform expert mental frameworks into computer-based support systems for supporting daily decision making. Specifically, this research includes knowledge-based model development and implementation. The model development was based on two components. First, it was based on field study observations and interviews with real-world logisticians at two air bases. Second, it was based on decision making activity analysis using observation and semi-structured interviews with production superintendents of operational F-16 maintenance units at Hill AFB, UT.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 22, 2000
Accession Number
ADA381438

Entities

People

  • Todd W. Kustra

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • C4I
  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Human Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cognition
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Databases
  • Decision Support Systems
  • Information Processing
  • Information Systems
  • Logistics
  • Logistics Planning
  • Maintenance
  • Maintenance Personnel
  • Organizational Structure
  • Psychology
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Database Systems and Applications
  • Instructional Design and Training Evaluation.
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.