Abstract. The purpose of this study is to describe the effects
that a C4 (command, control, communications, and computer) knowledge management
system (KMS) had on increasing the situational awareness (SA) level
of network monitors maintaining a very large, dynamic, and complex
communication network during wartime. This case study utilized triangulation and
analysis of the multiple interviews, audiovisual material, archival records, and
documents that formed the basis for the findings of this
study. During Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), the First Marine Expeditionary
Force (I MEF) G6 developed an automated Marine Air Ground
Task Force Communication Control Center Event Log (MEL), a web-based
KMS that replaced the physical logbook to track communication network
status for this large network that supported over 86,000 personnel
over four months. The MEL enhanced SA, the sharing of
information directly related to the operation of the communication network,
as well as the sharing of tacit and explicit knowledge
of system readiness. Limitations of the study revolved around collecting
data in a real battlefield situation. Considering the unusual nature
of the events, the results may or may not be
replicated outside of simulations until there is another major military
offensive. The findings reveal the practical benefits of automating physical
logbooks. The results also shed light on behaviours of individuals
within a network under situations of moderate and high stress.
Overall behaviours of a community of practice under wartime conditions
are revealed. This case study documents behaviours in the unusual
context of an invasion of enemy territory. As such this
research fills the gap between theoretical considerations of knowledge management
and the practical and organic implementation of a KMS.
Related topics:
knowledge management, C2, Command support systems, command systems
View first page of "Caro: A Case Study: Flattening the Battlefield through a C4 Knowledge Management System"
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