Matrix Game Methodology - Support to V2010 Olympic Marine Security Planners

摘要

The Matrix Game methodology is a structured Table-Top Exercise (TTX) method. It has been employed previously by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) in Australia for interagency harbour security and force protection exercises, and was seen to be particularly effective for handling problems in complex environments with diverse stakeholders. For this reason, it was decided to transfer the methodology to Canada for use in marine security planning for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics (V2010). Overall, the experience of organizing and running Matrix Games to support Olympic marine security planners proved to be very effective at helping the marine security agencies organize their planning, and uncover gaps and issues in their plans, and to gain mutual understanding of their respective capabilities and mandates. Over the course of the three Matrix Games, many refinements and adjustments were made to the methodology to adapt it to Canadian needs, to address specific planning goals, to adjust to evolving participation levels and complexity, to improve data capture and reporting, incorporate lessons learned, and improve overall effectiveness and efficiency. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the Matrix Game methodology, including refinements, to discuss its strengths and weaknesses, and to provide recommendations for its effective use.