Refinement of Prototype Staff Evaluation Methods for Future Forces: A Focus on Automated Measures

Abstract : This report examines the use of digital information systems and automated measures of human performance to improve staff training and performance assessment. This work began with a review of research literature and technical documentation related to team performance and assessment, operations in digital environments, and automated performance data collection. A general design for staff performance assessment was formulated, based on findings of the literature review. An opportunity to implement this design was provided by an Army Concept Experimentation Program (CEP), the Battle Command Reengineering (BCR) IV, which took place in April 2000. By participating in the BCR IV, researchers had the opportunity to conduct a trial implementation of the automated measures of performance assessment Coordination between the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences and the Mounted Maneuver Battlespace Lab (MMBL) at Fort Knox, Kentucky, enabled the two organizations to work together as a team to accomplish multiple goals. This report describes the development of prototype automated measures, the results of their use during the BCR IV, and lessons learned for future staff performance assessment efforts.