Innovation in Operations Assessment Recent Developments in Measuring Results in Conflict Environments

This publication, edited by edited by Andrew Williams, James Bexfield, Fabrizio Fitzgerald Farina and Johannes de Nijs for NATO looks at innovation within in the area of capability development particularly in conflict environments. The volume sets out to challenge and question current thinking and assumption regarding operations assessment; expand thinking beyond military-centric activity; and encourage long term thinking and debate. The publication is made up of thirteen peer reviewed articles from within NATO and beyond.

Excerpt

"Innovation in capability development is about using existing ideas to do things differently and do them better. While in the business world this notion is commonplace, in the government and international organisation sectors too much reliance on organisational formalities and established ways of working and problem solving often stifles innovation and transformation. A core task of my Capability Engineering and Innovation Division at HQ SACT is to drive innovation in NATO by overcoming organisational constraints, challenging established ways of working and thinking, and taking a long term perspective on what change is possible. There are many tools for accomplishing innovation, including studies, concept development and experimentation, networking with experts from nations, academia and industry, and collaborative online venues such as the Innovation Hub." (Williams, Bexfield, Fitzgerald Farina and de Nijs (eds.), 2013)

Contents

• Part 1: Operations assessment, challenges in the light of history
  • Chapter 1 The Rationale, Challenges and Opportunities in Operations Assessments 3
  • Chapter 2 Learning from the Vietnam-Era Strategic Assessment Failure 16
• Part 2: Current issues in operations assessment
  • Chapter 3 Operations Assessment at ISAF: Changing Paradigms 39
  • Chapter 4 Public Opinion Polling in Operations Assessment with Examples from Afghanistan 68
  • Chapter 5 Time Series Analysis in a Theatre Strategic Headquarter 86
• Part 3: Extending beyond the military domain
  • Chapter 6 Civilian and Military Evaluation and Assessment: Synergies and Differences 117
  • Chapter 7 A Review of Joint Evaluation: Opportunities for NATO? 145
  • Chapter 8 Engaging Local Actors in Operations Assessment 169
  • Chapter 9 The Use of Private Industry in Conflict Analysis and Assessment 185
• Part 4: New approaches, ideas and challenges
  • Chapter 10 Complexity Theory: Implications for Measuring Peacebuilding Progress 196
  • Chapter 11 Operations Assessment and Planning for Transition Stages 221
  • Chapter 12 Operations Assessment: Decision-Based Evidence Making? 243
  • Chapter 13 Everyday Peace Indicators: An Alternative Form of Assessment 259