An Alternative Front End Analysis Strategy for Complex Systems

Abstract : This initial phase of a three phase research effort designs and recommends an alternative front end analysis (FEA) strategy for evolving, highly automated, complex systems that rely upon multilevel command and control integration. This research is in response to growing concerns that current task-based FEA processes are increasingly insufficient to identify performance and training requirements for complex, highly automated systems. Analytic strategies were identified by examining existing literature pertaining to air defense training and performance, FEA approaches, and complex task performance and training. Two alternative FEA strategies were developed, leveraging known issues and research findings. The approach recommended to the U.S. Army Air Defense School incorporates expertise-based and collective team analyses into the Army's established task-based FEA approach. This approach was approved by the Air Defense School for the next phase of this research, i.e. applying the strategy to current Patriot missile training. Given the scope and depth of Patriot missile training, this assessment will be limited to air battle management training. The results from this case use application will be presented in a separate report following completion of the second phase of this research.