Military command and control is not merely evolving, it is co-evolving. The question is how to manage this process, how to achieve a jointly optimised blend of socio and technical and create the kind of agility and self-synchronization that modern forms of command and control promise. This book proposes a re-visit sociotechnical systems theory.
'Walker, Stanton, Salmon and Jenkins have written a highly relevant book that describes what information technology can offer to command and control, acknowledging the importance of keeping the decision maker in charge. The sociotechnical perspective is broadened to reflect the challenges of complex environments, and the requirements for human factors integration. In short, the book presents a comprehensive framework.' Gary Klein, Applied Research Associates, USA 'This book aims to apply socio-technical theory to the design and practice of Network Enabled Capability. It succeeds and in so doing contributes substantially to our understanding of both domains. Especially interesting are the authors' propositions on the design and use of military equipment, and the presentation of some new guiding sociotechnical principles for design. The authors argue persuasively for the need to put humans at the centre of complex networked systems - Amen to that!' Chris W. Clegg, Leeds University Business School, UK 'In writing this book, the authors set themselves the ambitious goal of using HFI research to identify linkages between the various disciplines involved in NCW, then using those linkages to build conceptual bridges that 'reach out across various interdisciplinary boundaries'. This interdisciplinary approach, focused on understanding how the human operates in the NCW environment, offers a unique and valuable insight into modern command and control arrangements. The book's extensive and thorough review of literature relating to organisational design will see many readers drawn out of their conceptual comfort-zone to alternative views that will nonetheless enhance their understanding of command and control in the informationage. Although some readers may at times find the data analysis impenetrable, the unique insights that this analysis provides makes the additional effort worthwhile. This book is a 'must read' for all involved or interested in the develop
