Application of a Cost-Benefit Model to the Evaluation of a Military Training Management Information System

Abstract

A method to facilitate the comparative evaluation of automated systems based on quantitative predictions and measurements of system impacts is described. A model of the costs and benefits resulting from the automation of U.S. Army training management activities was developed on the basis of work function taxonomy measures. Data were collected from a sample of 66 personnel in the 9th Infantry Division to determine the time spent on different job tasks and work functions. The savings that could be obtained through automation were estimated by applying workload reduction factors to the task and work function time estimates. The estimates were extrapolated to the entire Army to determine the impact of a fully fielded system. The results indicate that the Army currently spends 8208 person-years on training management at a cost of $348 million. Automation could potentially reduce these costs to 5683 person-years at a cost of $227 million. The potential savings of $121 million represent resources that are currently consumed by inefficient procedures. This methodology is useful for generating quantitative predictions of automation impact for verification in comparative evaluations.