A wartime case study: The creation, implementation, and effects on situational awareness and community of practice of a United States Marine Corps knowledge management system during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

摘要

This case study described the implementation of a knowledge management system (KMS) during wartime and its effects on knowledge management (KM), situational awareness (SA), and community of practice (CoP). This KMS called the Marine Air Ground Task Force Communication Control Center Event Log (MEL) was developed and implemented to raise the SA level of the network monitors managing the largest tactical communication network ever created and maintained by the United States Marine Corps in history.; The first purpose of this study was to document the development and implementation of the MEL. The second purpose was to observe changes in SA and CoP as a result of using the MEL.; KM, SA, and CoP formed the three conceptual frameworks in which the MEL was analyzed. The focus of this study was on the intersection of domains of knowledge between KM and SA, and KM and CoP.; The research questions were answered through triangulation and analysis of the multiple interviews, audiovisual material, archival records, and documents. The findings supported the following conclusions:; First, in developing a KMS, the centralization of information was important in developing a baseline of SA. From this centralized point, decentralization of information could help in problem solving. Second, in developing a KMS interface, it was vital to collocate the information that people needed in achieving their goals within the system's interface.; Third, knowledge of SA and CoP was not a prerequisite for creating a KMS. What was important was the creator's ability in linking the goals/mission requirements within the system's interface configuration. Fourth, through the specific use of the MEL interface, informal social interaction between users of the MEL was not necessary in the users accomplishing their mission. Fifth, automation of the physical logbook into the MEL interface increased SA and sharing of information directly related to the operation of the communication network. It also increased the problem solving capabilities of the CoP. Sixth, the MEL required outside communication resources in accomplishing its goal. Seventh, the real-time characteristic of the MEL was critical in attaining the goal of the system.