A Review of the Event Analysis of Systemic Teamwork Methodology

HFIDTC/WP1.1.3/10
Version 2/ 31 October 2005
• Propositional Networks – The CDM output is used to construct
propositional networks for each incident phase. Propositional networks are
comprised of nodes that represent sources of information, agents, and
objects that are linked through specific causal paths. The propositional
network thus represents the ‘ideal’ collection of knowledge for an incident.
The EAST methodology has been applied in a number of domains, including the fire
service (Baber et al 2004a), police service (Baber et al 2004b) naval warfare (Stewart et
al 2004), military aviation, energy distribution (Salmon et al 2004b), air traffic control
and rail domains (Walker et al 2004), in order to analyse C4i activity. EAST is a
comprehensive technique offering a multi-faceted assessment of the C4i network in
question. EAST provides an assessment of agent roles within the network, a description
of the activity including the flow of information, the component tasks, communication
between agents and the operational loading of each agent. Co-ordination between agents
is also rated and the knowledge required throughout the task under analysis is defined.
Domain of application
Generic. The EAST methodology can be used in any domain that utilises a C4i
infrastructure during task performance.
Procedure and advice
Step 1: Define scenario(s)
The first step in an EAST analysis involves defining the scenario(s) that are to be the
subject of the analysis. It is recommended that this is done in collaboration with a SME
from the domain in question. The chosen scenario(s) should be representative of all C4i
activity in the domain in question. For example, in an analysis of C4i activity in the civil
energy distribution (Salmon et al 2004), a switching out of circuit’s scenario and a return
to service of circuits scenario were used.
Step 2: Conduct HTA for the scenario(s) under analysis
Once they are clearly defined, the analyst(s) should conduct a HTA for each scenario.
Again, it is recommended that this is done in collaboration with a relevant SME.
Step 3: Plan observation
The next step of the EAST analysis involves planning the observation of the scenario(s)
under analysis. Typically the scenarios involved in C4i activity are dispersed over a
number of different locations involving a number of agents, and so who to observe and
where to observe it requires careful thought. Again, input from an appropriate SME is
useful here. It is also useful at this stage to clearly define what data is to be collected. The
use of recording equipment (e.g. type, location, focus etc) should also be clarified. If time
permits, it may also be pertinent to conduct a trial run of the planned observation.
Step 4: Observe scenario(s)
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