Socio-Technical Systems Models of the Decision Chain in UAV Operations
Abstract
By defining the primary functions involved in conducting Unmanned Vehicle missions, it is possible to evaluate different configurations of organisations to support these functions. These could vary, for instance, from a linear chain to a highly connected network. Each structure has different advantages and disadvantages, in terms of information flow, and each poses different costs in terms of organisational behaviour and management. By representing the alternative structures in terms of use-case diagrams (which are aligned to the NATO Architecture Framework), and by modelling the activity described in these views, it is possible to compare and contrast structures and explore their resilience. Modelling is performed in two ways. First, Event Calculus is used to consider the binding between tasks in order to explore unintended consequences of particular configurations. This helps demonstrate how some configurations can lead to potential problems and errors in information flow. Second, a form of dynamic use-case modelling is used to show how binding of tasks to actors can lead to changes in the structure of the organisation, particularly when the availability of actors becomes compromised or when tasks become blocked; thus, providing a novel approach to consider resilience in these networks.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA567999
Entities
People
- C. Baber
- Robert J. Houghton
- Steve Harmer
Organizations
- University of Birmingham