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.
Strengthening Flood Risk Management Strategies
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
The Challenge
Cognitive Science Systems was asked to conduct mental models research with USACE Engineers, Planners and Program Managers to look for improvements with USACE Flood Risk Management (FRM).
The Solution
This research built upon an earlier project focused on FRM practice within the Corps. In that project, Cognitive Science Systems interacted with a number of USACE FRM experts to gain a full understanding of the factors influencing the quality of USACE flood risk management practices. The results of this earlier research were used to develop a basic framework for consolidating expert-level knowledge related to the many issues and influences associated with flood risk management, which were presented in the form of Expert Models of Influences on USACE FRM.
These Expert Models were used to guide the development of a semi-structured mental models interview protocol covering influences on FRM at the USACE. The interviews were conducted with USACE Engineers, Planners, and Program Managers to gain more detailed and diverse insight into their perceptions of these influences and their impact on the quality of USACE FRM. The interviews also provided insight into understanding potential differences in perspective between Engineers and Planners/Program Managers on these topics.
The results of this research were used to inform USACE strategies, plans and tactics for improved flood risk management and FRM communications.
The Result
The results of this research were used to inform USACE strategies, plans and tactics for improved flood risk management and FRM communications.
This research built upon an earlier project focused on FRM practice within the Corps. In that project, Cognitive Science Systems interacted with a number of USACE FRM experts to gain a full understanding of the factors influencing the quality of USACE flood risk management practices. The results of this earlier research were used to develop a basic framework for consolidating expert-level knowledge related to the many issues and influences associated with flood risk management, which were presented in the form of Expert Models of Influences on USACE FRM.
These Expert Models were used to guide the development of a semi-structured mental models interview protocol covering influences on FRM at the USACE. The interviews were conducted with USACE Engineers, Planners, and Program Managers to gain more detailed and diverse insight into their perceptions of these influences and their impact on the quality of USACE FRM. The interviews also provided insight into understanding potential differences in perspective between Engineers and Planners/Program Managers on these topics.