Modeling and Simulation of Cultural Differences in Human Decision-Making

Phase II will implement the integrative algorithm and modified knowledge bases developed in Phase I to produce the Integrative Decision Space Analytical System (I-DecS AnSys). This includes not only the software and hardware implementation of the system, but also understanding how the user will interact with the system, what system outputs will be presented back to the user, and validating both the system design and its data. This system will allow the model to be used to highlight potential cultural mismatches and to modify the decision space to better accommodate cultural, organization, process, and individual cognitive differences. The work plan for Phase II includes a series of eight task categories: Project Review and Updates, System Requirements Analysis, User Interface Development, Algorithm Development, Database Development, Tool Development, Military Utility Assessment, and Documentation. Along with the development of a fully operational system, PSE offers two options as part of its Phase II work plan. Option A offers a Command Center Operational Exercise while Option B, System Customization for Specific User Group, would prepare for the Phase III production. The I-DecS AnSys will offer a much-needed planning and training tool to the increasingly complex challenge of multi-national coalitions and multi-cultural collaborations.