2004 Command and Control Research and Technology Symposium

13th International Command and Control Research and Technology Symposium C2 for Complex Endeavours

New Operations Decision Support Requirements derived from a Control Theory Model of Effects-Based Thinking

Topics: C2 Concepts, Theory, and Policy Collaborative Technologies for Net-Centric Operations Cognitive and Social Issues

/Philip S.E. Farrell, Ph.D.

Point of Contact: Philip S. E. Farrell, Ph.D. Canadian Forces Experimentation Centre National Defence Headquarters MGen George R. Pearkes Building Ottawa ON K1A 0K2 Phone: (613) 990 6732 Fax: (613) 991 5819 [email protected] [email protected] Point of Contact: Sophie Villeneuve Defence Scientist Canadian Forces Experimentation Centre Shirley's Bay Campus National Defence Headquarters 101 Colonel By Drive Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K2 Phone (613) 991-6140/Fax (613) 991-5819 [email protected] New Operations Decision Support Requirements derived from a Control Theory Model of Effects-Based Thinking Philip S.E. Farrell Canadian Forces Experimentation Centre

Abstract New operations such as effects-based approach to operations, comprehensive approach to operations, or net-enabled operations (the Canadian name for Net Centric Operations) promise to facilitate effective interaction between sensors, leaders, and effects while engaging a borderless but networked adversary. These new operations require effective decision support for critical and timely decisions in lieu of the potentially large amounts of communications and information sharing.

New operations’ decision support requirements are derived using Control Theory techniques that highlight the Effects-Based Thinking (EBT) operational concepts’ fundamental characteristics in a simple and straightforward manner. The model represents a sequence of effects-based activities – planning, execution, assessment, decision-making, and analysis – expressed as a feedback control system structure. Based on the model’s process, organization, and technology implications, the key decision support requirements are that: 1) Decision matrices provide decision options based on desired and current effects. 2) Human-computer interfaces display the status of effects. 3) Decisions complement each other and are made known across the operation. 4) Staffs understand their competencies, authorities, responsibilities, and the mission intent. 5) Computer networks and software support communications and information sharing.

The requirements have been evaluated, to some extent, against the Multinational Experimentation series results and recommendations. Arguably, these requirements will provide an engagement advantage when implemented in new operations.

OUTLINE

Introduction “Net Centric Operations (NCO) concepts have become a topic of interest for futurists and practitioners alike since the beginning of the 21st century…”

Decision Support and Human-Centric Design “This section provides a few words regarding the application of basic Human Factors principles to a human-centric system design of an operation that leads to the development of the decision support requirements…”

Network Enabled Operations: Canada’s version of NCO  Provides the key tenets for NEOps/NCO/NEC/NNEC.  Links NEOps to EBAO and Comprehensive Approach.

Control Theory Model of EBT Operations  Provides a synopsis of the model derivation from MNE 4’s Concept of Operations, showing that the underlying structure is that of a feedback control system.  Presents a simplified operations model.

Decision Support Requirements from POT Implications  Requirements from process implications  Requrements from organization implications  Requirements from technology implications

Conclusions

References