| dc.description.abstract | The Norwegian Armed Forces are supposed to implement Network Based Defence within the next couple of decades to achieve information superiority and to enable speed of command during operations. The process of implementing Network Based Defence is however suffering from different obstacles, challenging and slowing down the process. The delayed implementation affects the entire Norwegian Armed Forces, and puts soldier lives and operations at stake. Studied literature emphasizes that technology, procedures and intellectual capital are not aligned to each other, introducing gaps between technology implemented and knowledge needed to utilize it. Similar obstacles have been identified during practical research in this project. Inappropriate technological solutions, education of operators at random, complex information collection together with inadequate level of trust among the operators, suggest that technology, procedures and intellectual capital are not aligned to each other. Comparable challenges can be found in Integrated Operations in the oil sector. In this project, adapted system dynamic models primarily developed for Integrated Operations, were employed as preliminary hypothesis. The adapted models also supported results obtained during interviews and questionnaires conducted in two different army units. The purpose of the research was to identify factors delaying the implementation process of Network Based Defence, and to investigate if the models would support future implementations. The results in total suggest that knowledge is not very well adjusted to the operation transition of Network Based Defence. A knowledge gap might be introduced, affecting the operators' perceived trust level. Inadequate level of trust might result in inappropriate use of the technological platform, which again increase the probability of incidents during military operations. If the knowledge development and operation transition is not aligned to each other, the implementation process will most likely be delayed and suffer from increased cost. Empirical studies have shown significant cost benefit utilization when employing system dynamic models in parallel with new technology adoption. The project therefore suggests employing a full-fledged system dynamic model in parallel with the implementation process of Network Based Defence. Technological implementations can then be simulated in advance to identify possible difficulties. Hence, system dynamic models of sufficient detail can support the implementation of Network Based Defence to ensure implementation in time, within the estimated cost and with reduced risk. | |
