Useful Methodology for Cost-Benefit Evaluations of Cognitive Process Improvements in Complex C2 Endeavors; Conference paper

摘要

Proposed solutions to identified C2 gaps can be at a disadvantage in the fierce competition for scarce dollars because they are often considered 'soft' benefits (e.g. augmenting human cognition to improve performance). This paper describes a straight-forward method to quantify and express 'soft' benefits in monetary terms. Within a conventional cost-benefit structure, the proposed approach offers a tool to demonstrate 'soft' cognitive improvements in 'hard' dollars. This methodology is in use to quantify soft benefits of the Work-Centered Interfaced Distributed Environment (WIDE), a proposed enhancement to the Global Decision Support System. Evaluative experiments (specific to WIDE) demonstrate soft cognitive improvements in measurable values. These metrics are then transformed into dollar values, and incorporated into the benefits portion of the cost-benefit structure. In addition, other potential soft benefits from WIDE are quantified and monetized through cost-estimating techniques. Cost-Benefit Ratios and Return-on-Investment calculations are easily generated. This cost-benefit approach is a tool for advocates to (1) frame discussions of C2 solutions, (2) produce quantified responses to 'what- if' challenges, and (3) to argue for the funding of 'soft' proposals in 'hard' dollar terms.