Evolvable work-centred support systems for command and control: creating systems users can adapt to meet changing...

Area of Science:

• Socio-technical systems engineering
• Human-computer interaction
• Military operations research

Background:

• Military command and control (C2) organizations are complex socio-technical systems.
• These organizations require constant adaptation to evolving operational demands.
• Weather forecasting and monitoring are critical functions within C2 operations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of a work-centred support system (WCSS) for a military airlift C2 organization.
• To illustrate how a WCSS can aid weather forecasting and monitoring.
• To identify challenges and necessary adaptations in supporting dynamic C2 environments.

Main Methods:

• Field observations conducted before and after WCSS implementation.
• Analysis of changes in workplace demands faced by operations personnel.
• Iterative modification of the WCSS based on observed operational changes.

Main Results:

• Operations personnel experienced constant changes in goals, priorities, scale, roles, and information systems.
• The WCSS required significant modifications to remain responsive to evolving workplace demands.
• Existing systems often lack timely responsiveness to users' changing requirements.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for adaptable systems that allow users to modify them in response to changing work requirements.
• Evolvable work-centred support systems are essential for modern C2 organizations.
• Future systems should incorporate facilities for user-driven adaptation to ensure sustained operational effectiveness.