The Case Analysis Approach

 

As a final paper requirement for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's ASCI 530 course we used the case analysis method to address an issue or a problem relating to Unmanned Aerial Systems. Using the case analysis approach to complement the coursework enhances our comprehension of the topics we learned by applying them to existing, real time situations or issues within or outside the aviation industry to help in analyzing the problem, offering alternative solutions, and making recommendations to address the problem. As students our role in the case analysis work is to diagnose and size up the situation described in the case and then to recommend appropriate action steps. The primary objectives of the case analysis approach is to increase understanding of what should or should not work to achieve success, develop skills in organizational strengths and weaknesses assessment, practice conducting strategic analysis, evaluating alternatives, and preparing plans of action applicable in any environment, and to enhance the sense of judgment by exposure to different businesses and industries. The case analysis approach is a decision making and problem-solving tool used to thoroughly evaluate a problem or issue. It evaluates the cause, the potential consequences if no action is taken, the urgency of the situation and the priority of action, identifies solution alternatives, and establishes the reasoning behind the suggested or recommended action (Case Analysis Guidelines, 2014).

The military uses a case analysis approach called the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP). MDMP is an established and proven analytical process used in many aspects of military operations from training in peace time to war time situations. MDMP is an adaptation of the Army’s s analytical approach to problem solving typically used by commanders and staff in developing estimations and plans. The full MDMP is a time consuming, detailed, deliberate, and sequential process normally employed when ample time and adequate staff is available to thoroughly examine all courses of action. Its fundamentals, however, is essential for use in time-inhibited situations. Akin to the case analysis approach, MDMP analyzes multiple courses of action to identify the best solution; it creates integration, coordination, and synchronization for an operation and minimizes the risk of overlooking a critical aspect of the operation; and it results in a detailed operation order or operation plan endorsed as a consequence of the commander’s informed decision (Military Decision Making Process and Rehearsals Tool Kit, 2012).

Both the case analysis and MDMP approach is time-consuming and better suited for team or group work. Perhaps better results are possible if the final case analysis project for this course is assigned as a group project where members of the group can collaborate and exchange ideas derived from their multiple perspectives, opinions, and experiences resulting in a far superior end product. This is, in essence, the goal of the case analysis approach.

 

Reference

Case Analysis Guidelines. (2014, May 20). Retrieved from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide: https://erau.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/pid-14470955-dt-content-rid-76772571_4/institution/Worldwide_Online/ASCI_GR_Courses/ASCI_530/From_Developer/ASCI_530_Case_Analysis%20Guidelines_Version4.pdf

Military Decision Making Process and Rehearsals Tool Kit. (2012, July 5). Retrieved from Stand-To!: http://www.army.mil/standto/archive/issue.php?issue=2012-07-05

HADR UAS

Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Recovery

In November 2013 Super Typhoon Haiyan ravaged several Philippine islands leaving 10,000 dead and displacing over 600,000 people in its wake. Haiyan’s destruction left survivors with no food, water or medicine. Relief operations were hampered because roads, airports and bridges had been destroyed or were covered in wreckage. An outpouring of support from many countries and agencies converged to help the victims but food and other aid were delayed because of the conditions (Mogato & Ong, 2013). In situations like this a cost-effective way of assessing the damage and surveying potential routes or avenues of approach for relief workers can be achieved through the use of man-portable unmanned aerial system (UAS). This request for proposal lays out the requirements for a small UAS to perform on-demand aerial surveillance. Timeline for system development is six months, ideally to have a low-rate initial production in time for typhoon season.

High Level Requirements

The UAS shall be transportable in a hardened transit case weighing no more than 50 lbs.; shall cost less than $100,000; shall be capable of flight up to 500 feet altitude above ground level (AGL) ; shall be capable of sustained flight (at loiter speed) in excess of one hour; shall be capable of covering an operational radius of one mile; shall be deployable and on station (i.e., in air over mission area) in less than 15 minutes; shall be capable of manual and autonomous operation; shall provide capture of telemetry, including altitude, magnetic heading, latitude/longitude; position, and orientation (i.e., pitch, roll, and yaw); shall provide power to payload, telemetry sensors, and data-link; shall provide capability to orbit (i.e., fly in circular pattern around) or hover over an object of interest .

Major Base Requirements and Derived Requirements

           

            Three major base requirements for this project are: transportability of the entire system, the air vehicle, and the payload. The transit case design will use hardened plastic material capable of withstanding drops from at least seven feet high, preferably from up to 10 feet high. Transit case shall secure all system components in its own compartments to prevent damage while in transport and through normal use. The air vehicle shall be designed for hand-launch, ease of assembly and disassembly, and easy operation by one person. The payload shall be mounted on the underside of the air vehicle, on a gimbal for stability, use air vehicle power, and capable of color and infrared video transmission. Derived requirements and testing for each major base requirement are:

              1.     Transportability

1.1  Transit case, fully filled with all system equipment, shall weigh less than 50 lbs

1.2  Transit case shall contain all necessary system components

1.3  Transit case shall have secure compartments/cutouts for each component

1.4  Transit case shall be durable to withstand damage when dropped from a height of seven feet

1.5  Transit case, when properly used and secured, shall provide protection for all components contained within

2.     Air Vehicle (UAV)

2.1 The UAV shall be capable of flying up to 500 feet above ground level

2.2 The UAV shall be capable of operating in excess of one hour

2.3 The UAV shall be capable of operating at a range of four miles

2.5 The UAV shall have an assembly time of less than 15 minutes upon unpacking

2.6 The UAV shall be capable of being recharged from universal vehicle 12volt power source

3.     Payload

3.1 The payload shall be capable of color daytime video operation up to 500 feet AGL

3.2 The payload shall be capable of infrared (IR) video operation up to 500 feet AGL

3.3 The payload shall be interoperable with C2 and data-link

3.4 The payload shall use power provided by air vehicle element

4.     Testing Requirements

4.1 Transportability

4.1.1 Storage

4.1.1.1 Inspect transit case compartments are suitable for component parts

4.1.1.2 Test fit all system components in transit case compartments

4.1.1.3 Weigh fully loaded transit case; ensure weight is less than 50 lbs

4.1.2 Durability

4.1.2.1 Perform drop test from height of seven feet

4.1.2.2 Verify transit case durability to withstand seven foot drop

4.1.2.3 Inspect system components for damage

4.1.2.4 Perform drop test from height of 10 feet

4.1.2.5 Inspect transit case and system components for damage

4.2 Air Vehicle (UAV)

4.2.1 Perform load/stress tests on UAV fuselage

4.2.2 Perform load/stress tests on UAV flight control systems

4.2.3 Perform load/stress tests on UAV power plant

4.2.6 Check for overheating

4.2.7 Check for security of connectors

4.2.8 Confirm acceptable performance of radio transmission and reception

4.2.9 Confirm optimal antennae location and position

4.3 Payload

4.3.1 Perform system interoperability testing with Ground Control System

4.3.2 Test color daytime video operation (ground test)

4.3.3 Test infrared (IR) video operation (ground test)

4.3.4 Test payload operations at operating altitude and range

            This is a fast development and delivery project of a high quality system at a low investment cost. An iterative type framework development such as the Rapid Application Development (RAD) approach is appropriate for this project because the aim is to build a high quality system quickly (six months) with key emphasis on fulfilling a business need. Risks are reduced by breaking the project into smaller segments and providing more ease of change during development. Subsystem design and development of the air vehicle, payload, power plant, GCS, and peripherals such as transit case can happen simultaneously. RAD is suitable for small to medium scale projects of short duration with a focused scope and a well-defined and narrow business objective (Selecting A Development Approach, 2005). A sample schedule for this type of project is shown on Figure 1.

           

Reference

Mogato, M., & Ong, R. (2013, November 10). Philippines storm kills estimated 10,000, destruction hampers rescue efforts. Retrieved May 8, 2014, from Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/10/us-philippines-typhoon-idUSBRE9A603Q20131110

Selecting A Development Approach. (2005, February 17). Retrieved May 8, 2014, from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: http://www.cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/CMS-Information-Technology/XLC/Downloads/SelectingDevelopmentApproach.pdf