Diffusion and large-scale adoption of computer-supported training simulations in the military domain

Abstract

The focal point of this thesis is the overall process of diffusion and adoption of technological innovations (computer-supported training simulations) within the military domain. The goal was to capture the positive and negative trends that appear to be the most significant toward the adoption process. The approach selected in this thesis was to execute a user study and collect a set of data points concerned with the users overall demographics, attitudes, expectations, knowledge, misconceptions, usage, advertising, leadership endorsement, and other elemental characteristics for adoption of those systems in the military domain. The data survey was conducted within MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms, CA; it addressed specific needs of four different groups of users (Trainees, Unit Leadership, Trainers, and Base Leadership). The analysis of collected data sets demonstrated that diffusion and adoption of these types of solutions is a complex, multilayered problem that goes beyond the characteristics of the systems/tools. The summary of user profiles, attitudes toward technology, and other elements relevant to the training domain demonstrated that clearly. The findings in this work can be generalized to any other USMC base, and have a universal value applicable to the adoption of computer-supported training simulations by other DoD services.