An Experimental Analysis of Narrative Technology for Enhanced C4I (Computers, Communication, Command, Control and Intelligence)
Abstract
This report considers critical issues in supporting command-team functions using an analysis of those tasks identified in transcripts of command-team members discussing critical incidents and issues in command team performance. In previous research, a 12-category framework was developed from a historical analysis of command-team performance and this was applied to the transcripts from command-team members. The more recent analysis of the framework was developed without a priori knowledge of the original framework and this produced between seven and eight major categories that embraced almost all the text units identified in the transcripts. The major categories identified in the analysis overlap significantly with the categories identified via the earlier historical analysis, but the sub-nodes in each category differ, suggesting some qualified degree of validity. The current analysis would have been inadequate without prior knowledge of command team practice and opportunities to assess the validity of the conclusions using subject-matter experts. It is acknowledged that participatory design approaches are more appropriate to meet user-centered design criteria, but given the limited access to command staff, the adapted critical incident method used was a reasonable compromise. The seven most significant categories identified in the analysis included decision-making, technology, command-team issues, information-intelligence, general human factors issues, and communication. The most recent analysis strongly supports the view that command teams make extensive use of socio-cognitive processing to produce effective decision-making and planning. Empirical tests of critical issues in command-team function are considered briefly at the end of the report. (2 tables, 1 figure, 30 refs.)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 03, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA428751
Entities
People
- Malcolm J. Cook
Organizations
- University of Abertay Dundee