electronic warfare self-protection of battlefield helicopters - Aaltodoc

2 METHODOLOGY
2.1 Introduction
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The methodology of research has been a major issue for this study. Different ideas
have been tried, and a few methods have been investigated in more detail. The search
for methods has not been exhaustive, since this would have shifted the emphasis of
the work from EWSP to methodology. It is important to note that two different
methodologies are of concern: the methodology to be used for producing the
dissertation, and the methodology which eventually should be recommended for
presenting a holistic view on EWSP of battlefield helicopters—assuming that
individual methodologies are feasible. These are discussed in parallel below, the
terms “method” and “tool” are used synonymously. Since systems thinking is mostly
unfamiliar in the EW community, a more detailed review will be provided on causal
loop diagrams and on Forrester system dynamics (FSD).
2.2 Research method
The approach taken in this study is governed by the stated objective of work. An
initial attempt towards the first objective “generate improved understanding of
EWSP of battlefield helicopters” was made by defining the tentative idea of the need
for information, as presented in Figure 3. The tentative idea indicates that a
considerable amount of information has to be collected and analyzed before a
synthesis can be attempted.
The second objective, to “unite disconnected information on and factors contributing
to EWSP of battlefield helicopters”, is expected to be met through the systematic
bottom-up analysis and synthesis shown in Figure 4. Assessments based on
experience gained through the progression of the work will support the task.
An initial attempt towards the third objective, to “develop or identify tools or
methodologies that can be used for communication on EWSP with disparate interest
groups” will be made in Section 2.3. It is worth noting that the original idea of
“conducting a systems thinking study on EWSP of battlefield helicopters” (cf.
Section 1.3.4) also brought in some existing tools for systems thinking (causal loop
diagrams and FSD). The objective of identifying tools therefore partly comes from
the need to make recommendations for future research, based on experiences gained
through the present work, and to assess to what extent the tools satisfy
communications needs.