Getting Off to a Good Start: Improving Definitions Using Morphological Analysis

Abstract

NATO aspires to be the final arbitrating body in developing agreed definitions between its member nations. The reality is that many NATO definitions in use are what can be agreed upon between the disparate parties, rather than being rigorously derived. Frequently, they are ambiguous and vague and consequently they offer little to direct or inform analysis work. An ambiguous and vague definition can be better than nothing, but NATO should aspire to improve the manner in which definitions are derived, since they form the fundamental building-blocks on which conceptual and capability efforts are built. The paper dwells on a recent case study of a requirements analysis undertaken for NATO Expeditionary Operations. Specifically, the presentation covers the problems of the definition of Expeditionary Operations in use within NATO and the methods employed by ACT analysts to develop an improved definition.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA584283

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  • Simon Purton
  • Sue Collins

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  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

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  • International Relations and European Studies
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