Knowledge Engineering Considerations for Improving Information Sharing in the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Test Board.

摘要

Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) will continue to evolve as the enemy's weapon of choice. Dynamic and responsive enemies alter IEDs in reaction to our Counter-IED efforts, which results in the need for continuous accelerated testing and acquisition of Counter-IED tools. Over the last five years, an accelerated acquisition process enabled the expansion of testing entities and ranges beyond the purview of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Test Board (JTB) established to monitor them. As a result, information sharing between JTB organizations is not efficient, which leads to less capable and slowly fielded equipment. This research reports on the use of a cognitive task analysis and contextual inquiry focused on identifying and mitigating information sharing impediments. The objective is to provide recommendations to improve information sharing between personnel involved with the JTB. Results indicate that the most common information sharing barriers relate to organizational culture, which leads to the recommendation of creating a JTB position specifically focused on information flow inside and outside of the organization. Results regarding information sharing enablers indicated that enhancing test range cooperation and improving information systems through more tester level meetings, use of the customized affinity diagram, and implementing user recommendations would improve information sharing.