Assessing the Acceptance and Functional Value of the Asymmetrical Software Kit (ASK) at the Tactical Level
Abstract
The Asymmetrical Software Kit (ASK) is a software package built for U.S Army Special Operations Command (USASOC). It is designed to greatly expand and digitize the Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB) process for Special Forces units. The purpose of this Thesis is to thoroughly evaluate the Tactical user's acceptance of this technological innovation. Technology Acceptance Model, which psychometrically measures users perceptions of ease-of-use and utility to predict their intention to use the software, was applied in this analysis. The test population for this user acceptance survey is the Tactical (Group and below) level user of the ASK. These are the Special Forces Intel Sergeants (18F's) on the Special Forces A-Teams (ODAs), and the Military Intelligence personnel at the Battalion and Group S2 (Staff Intelligence) sections. Respondents completed an anonymous, online survey on their impressions of the ASK. The questions were focused on system usability and user acceptance in a military setting. Overall, the models used in this study showed an acceptable level of fit with the Tactical enduser's usability and acceptance assessments and exhibited satisfactory explanatory power. Users showed marked trends in response to questions concerning training, command involvement, and system availability. Qualitative input included a number of responses about the idiosyncrasies of certain programs, and the lack of high speed computers to run complex GIS queries. The findings from this study should provide some valuable insights to Program Managers about systems evaluation, and clarify how USASOC can design full spectrum software fielding to foster technology acceptance and use at the Tactical level.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA475834
Entities
People
- Peter H. Hopewell
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School