The Impact of Technology Insertion on Organisations

HFIDTC/2/12.2.1/1
Version 3 / 21 November 2007
STORM integrates Noble’s and Tuckman’s processes to model the dynamic development
<strong>of</strong> teams from first formation to full maturity. As a representation <strong>of</strong> the impacts <strong>of</strong> social
and cultural factors on team performance in a coalition NEC context, STORM allows
informal team relationships to be modelled and can provide insight into how NEC can
influence team behaviour. This tool was developed in response to a need for a model
capable <strong>of</strong> dealing with agile, ad hoc team formation associated with Agile Mission
Grouping [221], [222]. This model focuses on team performance based on team
composition, context and maturity.
STORM currently does not model the influences <strong>of</strong> technology directly; however, aspects
<strong>of</strong> co-location versus remote computer mediated communication are modelled. Work is
currently being undertaken to try to model team acceptance <strong>of</strong> technology and this will be
an interesting development. <strong>The</strong>re is potential to develop a similar model, or collaborate
with DSTL to look at how technology influences interact.
Figure 10: Interacting Nodes in the ‘STORM’ Model
10.3 Summary <strong>of</strong> the Extant TI Tools
A number <strong>of</strong> tools, methods and techniques have been, or are being, developed to support
practitioners during the technology insertion process. Whilst these options are worth
considering, many <strong>of</strong> them are either not fully developed, or are narrow in their scope.
This is especially true <strong>of</strong> the cited s<strong>of</strong>tware tools and models that focus exclusively on
engineering and cost-based aspects <strong>of</strong> TI decision making. Whilst this is undoubtedly a
valuable goal, there are far fewer tools for supporting practitioners in understanding and
measuring organisational implications <strong>of</strong> technology decisions. OSTA and POINTS may
be valuable methodologies, however, it appears that there are no discrete tools to guide
the novice practitioner. Such guidance may be particularly relevant given that these
methods rely upon the skills and experience <strong>of</strong> the implementer in order to be successful.
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