NEC Concepts
- Concepts of Agility in Network Enabled Capability
- Hierarchical Command, Communities of Practice, Networks of Exploration: using simple models to explore NEC Command Structures
- NEC Themes: A Conceptual Analysis and Applied Principles
- Collaboration and Information Sharing in NEC Networks
- Bridging an IA Capability Gap: Facilitating the Education of the NEC’s IA Professionals
- Development of a Framework for a Functional Analysis of C4ISTAR Interactions Between Force Elements
- Network-centric Modelling and Simulation Capabilities
Concepts of Agility in Network Enabled Capability
Tim Mackley, Dr Stephen Barker, Prof. Philip John
Agility is a key component of Network Enabled Capability, with interoperability and the ability to use information from a variety of sources being a key enabler. However, this interoperability raises the issue of the potential of ill-disciplined use of data and its undesirable consequences. The formation of what are in effect transient Systems of Systems, within NEC, requires a different and more agile approach to both operations and acquisition. An effective decision making process is required that gives consideration to how both elements of military capability and enterprise structures are combined in an agile way. This paper examines what the influences on Agility are and develops concepts for how Agility should be considered for Systems of Systems in NEC. These concepts form the basis for a framework in which Systems Engineering processes, methods and tools can be identified. This set of processes, methods and tools can then be applied to military capability in general to identify opportunities for incorporating agility into NEC.
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Hierarchical Command, Communities of Practice, Networks of Exploration: using simple models to explore NEC Command Structures
Chris Baber, Neville Stanton, Robert Houghton, Mohamed Cassia
The idea that there are different network configurations is essential to Social Network Analysis and our field studies lead us to conclude that different topologies would be most useful under different circumstances. This hints at a potential conflict between the network topology that underlies a communications network and the network topology that underlies a human (organisational) network. In this paper simple models are used to explore the nature of command structures in Network-Enabled Capability. The notion of a central commander sitting at the head of a chain of command does not sit easily with NEC, particularly with the ideas relating to ‘power to the edge’ (Alberts and Hayes, 2006). An assumption underlying NEC, e.g., in the UK NEC Benefits Chain, is that better connectivity amongst people can lead to better information sharing and better decision-making (Court, 2007). This paper begins by considering the relationship between network structure and performance, and implications of the NEC Benefits Chain, particularly in terms of issues relating to sharing and distribution of information and the location of authority in distributed systems. Following this discussion, a review of the modeling work of Anthony Dekker is presented together with models developed in OPNET to compare with his results. The basic question is under what conditions a distributed network will outperform a hierarchical network.
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NEC Themes: A Conceptual Analysis and Applied Principles
Elena Irina Neaga, Michael Henshaw
This paper deals with essential principles of Interoperability, Agility, Collaboration and Knowledge applied in the context of Network Enabled Capability Through Innovative Systems Engineering (NECTISE). Using empirical investigations these concepts have been identified as NEC-readiness themes and they contribute significantly to the realisation of NEC. Based on a systemic analysis and application of theoretical principles, the approach described in this paper contributes towards the demonstration of NEC as well as the identification of a limited set of critical features for capability planning and systems design. Some research questions are derived and discussed and a gap analysis strategy is proposed. These themes also defined as critical features have been investigated in a variety of contexts The main contributions of this paper are related to the mapping the themes to the military capability model and formalisation of the relationships. The purpose of such an exercise is to exploit learning from other (mainly civil)domains in the military context, with regard to the readiness themes which overlap with a limited set of critical features for design within a NEC context.
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Collaboration and Information Sharing in NEC Networks
Rene Keller, Neil Carrigan, Simon R Atkinson, P John Clarkson, Peter Johnson
Within a network enabled environment, collaboration between humans is key for making decisions. Increasingly, decision makers have to rely on information provided by other actors within a highly dynamic and distributed battle-space. Social networks facilitate this information exchange between actors. At the same time, networks failing to provide necessary information in combination with a high level of trust can hinder effective communication and collaboration. This paper investigates how analysing different types of network structure can support collaboration and decision-making by using a change prediction method as a way of predicting information propagation between actors within a social network.
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Bridging an IA Capability Gap: Facilitating the Education of the NEC’s IA Professionals
Christopher J. Richardson
Information Assurance (IA) is the key to trusting, maintaining and developing Defence capabilities. The Network Enabled Capability (NEC), has intrinsic and often complex interdependencies, information interactions and knowledge transactions. To comprehend the NEC’s enterprise architecture, its integrity and dependability requires educated IA practitioners, whom we have very few! bridging the professional capability gap of qualifying and sustaining IA practitioners is both a military and national requirement. This paper expounds the need for the profession and a career path supported by a national IA Academy to facilitate innovative, holistic Education and Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
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Development of a Framework for a Functional Analysis of C4ISTAR Interactions Between Force Elements
Alasdair Campbell, Stafford Williams, Trevor Milburn
MoD’s Network Enabled Capability vision may be considered a highly complex System-of-Systems (SoS) undertaking, which demands an SoS approach to implementation. To demonstrate their viability, network enabled capabilities need to be analysed within a suitable framework in a valid operational context. This paper describes the development of a functional analysis framework for the interactions between C4I systems, ISTAR capabilities and Force Elements engaged in planning and executing a range of military tasks. The framework utilises a representative set of operational vignettes that include relevant aspects of current operations and are consistent with defence policy and concepts. These vignettes have been described in MODAF Operational Views as use cases that span a spectrum of key attributes. The set of use cases map against the Defence Capability Framework and J1 to J9 staff functions and are representative of required UK capability. The use cases are designed for re-use by Industry and MoD.
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Network-centric Modelling and Simulation Capabilities
Joshua Baer
A session detailing Network Systems’ integrated Modeling, Simulation, Visualization, and Analysis capabilities. Functional capabilities including RF, Comms, and Network simulation, operational simulation, communication model development, sensor model development, 3D visualization, HLA integration and development, Hardware-in-the-loop, and Man-in-the-Loop technologies will be covered.
Paper not available
