Case analysis method calls for a careful
diagnosis of current conditions so that appropriate strategic actions can be
recommended in light of the strategic intent and strategic mission. According
to Lundberg & Enz (1993), the following steps are guidelines or methods to analyze
each case thoroughly.
Step
1: Gaining Familiarity
a.
In general--determine who, what, how, where and when (the critical facts in a
case).
b. In detail--identify the places,
persons, activities, and contexts of the situation.
c.
Recognize the degree of certainty/uncertainty of acquired information.
Step 2: Recognizing Symptoms
a.
List all indicators (including stated "problems") that something is
not as expected or as desired
b.
Ensure that symptoms are not assumed to be the problem (symptoms should lead to
identification of the problem).
Step 3: Identifying goals
a.
Identify critical statements by major parties (e.g., people, groups, the work
unit, etc.).
b.
List all goals of the major parties that exist or can be reasonably inferred.
Step 4: Conducting the Analysis
a.
Decide which ideas, models, and theories seem useful.
b. Apply these conceptual tools to
the situation.
c.
As new information is revealed, cycle back to sub-steps a. & b.
Step 5: Making the Diagnosis
a. Identify predicaments (goal
inconsistencies).
b. Identify problems (discrepancies
between goals and performance).
c.
Prioritize predicaments/problems regarding timing, importance, etc.
Step 6: Doing the Action Planning
a.
Specify and prioritize the criteria used to choose action alternatives.
b. Discover or invent feasible
action alternatives
c.
Examine the probable consequences of action alternatives.
d.
Select a course of action.
e.
Design an implementation plan/schedule.
f.
Create a plan for assessing the action to be implemented.
After case analysis on the past mishaps
of military UAV ‘Predator’ in the air force, the major causes were the design
of control panels (human machine interface) at ground control station (GCS) and
pilots did not follow approved checklist procedures closely. In order to
improve effectiveness and prevent recurrence of similar mishaps, it is deemed appropriate
to adapt the philosophy and principles of Crew Resource Management (CRM), which
emphasizes on the communications among crew members in the cockpit and the ergonomic
design of human-machine-interface.
Control and monitoring of critical systems
such as engine propulsion and flight control required special attention. It is
advisable to use guarded switches for these systems to prevent any unintentional
actions. Any system failure must trigger related fault messages with visible (color)
and audible (sound) attention getters, and also to display checklist (actions
to be taken) to guide the pilots as to rectify system failure immediately. It
is impossible for the pilot to make sound decision or judgment during split
seconds under cockpit/ ground control station environment. Decision making
mechanism is a complex process especially for the pilots of manned and unmanned
aircraft. Proper training are the keys to prepare and equip pilots with
necessary discipline and know-how in order to improve performance and prevent
mishaps.
From the analysis and conclusion, it is
useful for students to realize that decision making mechanism for pilots can be
applied to many fields. First, it starts with identifying problems with perception
involving mainly visual and vestibular systems. It is important to see clearly
with balanced postures before good decision can be made. Second, the brain will
be able to use these information and process them based on memory. Finally,
appropriate actions can be performed to solve problems.
Training is necessary to highlight human
limitations and to understand most of aircraft mishaps and accidents are due to
human factors. Once this is established, students will appreciate the importance
of checklists and procedures used in the cockpit/ ground control station
environments. Human strive on earth for million years and survived with two
feet firmly on ground. Inventions of manned and unmanned aircraft are new to
our species. Only structured training enables us to overcome human limitations
and to ensure flying is safe for all.
Reference:
C.C.
Lundberg and C. Enz, 1993, A Framework for Student Case Preparation, Case
Research Journal 13 (summer): 144.
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