Our mission is to refine organizational decision-making processes by harnessing the power of mental modeling and deep industry expertise. We aim to equip leaders and organizations with the tools and understanding necessary to make informed, strategic decisions that lead to sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Innovative Engineering Solutions for Environmental Resilience
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
The Challenge
Cognitive Science Systems has supported USACE’s Civil Works Strategic Plan through the research, development and application of Strategic Risk Communications for Environmentally Sustainable Engineering Practices. Since the 1970s, the science supporting the fields of engineering and ecology have come together only in fits and starts as individual practices to support efforts to better engineer in harmony with natural forces, particularly in the development of infrastructure. With more recent advances in knowledge and practice for engineering and ecological systems, USACE recognized an opportunity to integrate these practices into a single approach for infrastructure development that provides both economic and environmental benefits – a practice USACE calls Engineering with Nature (EWN).
The Solution
Using Mental Modeling TechnologyTM Cognitive Science Systems developed expert models (influence diagrams depicting systems) and conducted one-on-one mental models interviews with key internal and external stakeholders to better understand how potential stakeholders perceive Engineering With Nature, potential aids and barriers to its adoption, and stakeholders’ communications priorities.
The results of the research are currently being used to design and support research-based stakeholder risk communication strategies, plans and communications materials; and providing strategic risk communications training for USACE personnel and possibly key stakeholders. This award-winning Engineering With Nature strategy represents a paradigm shift in the Corps’ approach to major missions, including navigation and flood risk management.
The Result
The results of the research are currently being used to design and support research-based stakeholder risk communication strategies, plans and communications materials; and providing strategic risk communications training for USACE personnel and possibly key stakeholders. This award-winning Engineering With Nature strategy represents a paradigm shift in the Corps’ approach to major missions, including navigation and flood risk management.
Using Mental Modeling TechnologyTM Cognitive Science Systems developed expert models (influence diagrams depicting systems) and conducted one-on-one mental models interviews with key internal and external stakeholders to better understand how potential stakeholders perceive Engineering With Nature, potential aids and barriers to its adoption, and stakeholders’ communications priorities.