<p>Complex socio-technical systems, like command and control work in military operations and rescue operations, are becoming more and more common in the society, and there is a growing urge for more useful and effective systems. Qualitative data from complex socio-technical systems can be challenging to analyse. This thesis probes one way of enhancing existing analysis methods to better suit this task.</p><p>Our case study is carried out at FOI (the Swedish Defence Research Agency). One of FOI’s tasks is to analyse complex situations, for example military operations, and they have developed an approach called the Reconstruction – exploration approach (R&E) for analysing distributed tactical operations (DTOs). The R&E approach has a rich contextual approach, but lacks a systematic analytic methodology.</p><p>The assignment of this thesis is to investigate how the R&E approach could be enhanced and possibly merged with other existing cognitive analysis methods to better suit the analysis of DTOs. We identified that the R&E approach’s main weaknesses were the lack of structure and insufficient way of handling subjective data, which contributed to difficulties when performing a deeper analysis. The approach also needed a well-defined analysis method for increasing the validity of the identified results.</p><p>One way of improvement was to integrate the R&E approach with several cognitive analysis methods based on their respective individual strengths. We started by analysing the R&E approach and then identified qualities in other methods that complemented the weaknesses in the R&E approach. Finally we developed an integrated method.</p><p>The Critical Decision Method (CDM) appeared to be the most suitable method for integration with the R&E approach. Nevertheless, the CDM did not have all the qualities asked for so we chose to use functions from other methods included in our initial analysis as well; ETA and Grounded theory.</p><p>The integration resulted in a method with a well-defined method for analysis and the possibility to handle subjective data. This can contribute to a deeper analysis of DTOs.</p>

Complex socio-technical systems, like command and control work in military operations and rescue operations, are becoming more and more common in the society, and there is a growing urge for more useful and effective systems. Qualitative data from complex socio-technical systems can be challenging to analyse. This thesis probes one way of enhancing existing analysis methods to better suit this task. Our case study is carried out at FOI (the Swedish Defence Research Agency). One of FOI’s tasks is to analyse complex situations, for example military operations, and they have developed an approach called the Reconstruction – exploration approach (R&amp;E) for analysing distributed tactical operations (DTOs). The R&amp;E approach has a rich contextual approach, but lacks a systematic analytic methodology. The assignment of this thesis is to investigate how the R&amp;E approach could be enhanced and possibly merged with other existing cognitive analysis methods to better suit the analysis of DTOs. We identified that the R&amp;E approach’s main weaknesses were the lack of structure and insufficient way of handling subjective data, which contributed to difficulties when performing a deeper analysis. The approach also needed a well-defined analysis method for increasing the validity of the identified results. One way of improvement was to integrate the R&amp;E approach with several cognitive analysis methods based on their respective individual strengths. We started by analysing the R&amp;E approach and then identified qualities in other methods that complemented the weaknesses in the R&amp;E approach. Finally we developed an integrated method. The Critical Decision Method (CDM) appeared to be the most suitable method for integration with the R&amp;E approach. Nevertheless, the CDM did not have all the qualities asked for so we chose to use functions from other methods included in our initial analysis as well; ETA and Grounded theory. The integration resulted in a method with a well-defined method for analysis and the possibility to handle subjective data. This can contribute to a deeper analysis of DTOs.

<p>Modern information technology increases the use of computers in training systems as well as in command-and-control systems in military services and public-safety organizations. This computerization combined with new threats present a challenging complexity. Situational awareness in evolving distributed operations and follow-up in training systems depends on humans in the field reporting observations of events. The use of this observer-reported information can be largely improved by implementation of models supporting both reporting and computer representation of objects and phenomena in operations.</p><p>This thesis characterises and describes observer model-based data collection in distributed tactical operations, where multiple, dispersed units work to achieve common goals. Reconstruction and exploration of multimedia representations of operations is becoming an established means for supporting taskforce training. We explore how modelling of operational processes and entities can support observer data collection and increase information content in mission histories. We use realistic exercises for testing developed models, methods and tools for observer data collection and transfer results to live operations.</p><p>The main contribution of this thesis is the systematic description of the model-based approach to using observers for data collection. Methodological aspects in using humans to collect data to be used in information systems, and also modelling aspects for phenomena occurring in emergency response and communication areas contribute to the body of research. We describe a general methodology for using human observers to collect adequate data for use in information systems. In addition, we describe methods and tools to collect data on the chain of medical attendance in emergency response exercises, and on command-and-control processes in several domains.</p>

Modern information technology increases the use of computers in training systems as well as in command-and-control systems in military services and public-safety organizations. This computerization combined with new threats present a challenging complexity. Situational awareness in evolving distributed operations and follow-up in training systems depends on humans in the field reporting observations of events. The use of this observer-reported information can be largely improved by implementation of models supporting both reporting and computer representation of objects and phenomena in operations. This thesis characterises and describes observer model-based data collection in distributed tactical operations, where multiple, dispersed units work to achieve common goals. Reconstruction and exploration of multimedia representations of operations is becoming an established means for supporting taskforce training. We explore how modelling of operational processes and entities can support observer data collection and increase information content in mission histories. We use realistic exercises for testing developed models, methods and tools for observer data collection and transfer results to live operations. The main contribution of this thesis is the systematic description of the model-based approach to using observers for data collection. Methodological aspects in using humans to collect data to be used in information systems, and also modelling aspects for phenomena occurring in emergency response and communication areas contribute to the body of research. We describe a general methodology for using human observers to collect adequate data for use in information systems. In addition, we describe methods and tools to collect data on the chain of medical attendance in emergency response exercises, and on command-and-control processes in several domains.