This introduction attempts to convey a sense of the possible, or near possible, with respect to the cutting edge of computer-based methods supporting social science research and inquiry. In addition, it is also intended to reflect computationally inspired perspectives, metaphors, models, and theories that may affect society. To that end, this article, through the introduction of the authors who contributed to this volume, explores the role played by agency-level computational methods, as opposed to aggregate level, in reshaping the practice and use of social science/inquiry. Agency-focused methods as used in this introduction not only emphasize the action of agents within an artificial environ but also attempt to encompass approaches beyond the cellular automata methods typically associated with agent-based modeling environments.
In the face of a national movement for environmental justice, the Virgnia General Assembly directed its legislative oversight agency in 1993 to study practices related to the siting, monitoring, and cleanup of solid waste facilities, specifically focusing on the impact of these activities on minority communities. The key issue raised by the assembly's mandate was whether a pattern of racial discrimination had developed in the process for siting and monitoring solid waste management facilities that disproportionately exposes minorities to certain health risks. Although the study found no evidence of an intent to discriminate against minoricies, the analysis revealed that in some cases, siting and monitoring practices have had a disproportionate impact on minority communities.The report resulting from this legislative mandate includes a number of significant findings related to the impact of solid waste management facilities on minority communities. Here we focus less on presenting these issues than on describing the structured use of multiple and disparate analytical techniques to develop a cogent and clarifying representation of these issues to a legislative body concerned with making appropriate choices in the future. We view the formal and focused use of quantitative and qualitative techniques from various disciplines as convergent policy analysis. This approach to analysis emphasizes the importance of designing policy studies and program evaluations in a fashion that allows for using results from disparate techniques such that they converge on similar policy solutions. This approach allows for the generation of preponderant evidence in support of a particular social outcome or policy recommendation.
C Co om mm me er rc ci ia al l IIn nf fo or rm ma at ti io on n T Te ec ch hn no ol lo og gy y P Po os ss si ib bi il li it ti ie es s: : Perspectives on its Future Role in Military Operations as Inspired by Visits to Selected SitesDr. Desmond Saunders-Newton Senior Research Fellow Center for Technology and National Security Policy National Defense University December 2003 Report Documentation PageForm Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. AcknowledgementsI would like to acknowledge the contributions of colleagues at the Center for Technology and National Security Policy (CTNSP) in the crafting of this report. Dr. Joseph Mait was instrumental in shaping this effort to assure that the report's frames of reference and substance were consistent with the overall Commercial Information Technology project. Dr. Hans Binnendijk provided a forum for integrating my ongoing efforts at other institutions with the research agenda of CTNSP. Last, but not least, the Honorable Joseph Eash provided continued insights on the art, craft, and science of technology development.In addition, the management and senior professionals of the recently disbanded Information Awareness Office of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency have provided support above and beyond the call of duty in affording me the time and resources to pursue this line of research. I am thankful for their vision and appreciation of "multiplexed" affiliations. Working Paper iii Executive SummaryThere has been a substantial amount of discussion in the DOD community about the availability of commercially funded R&D products capable of supporting ongoing and anticipated military operations. Those who doubt the availability of such technological products point to the past necessity of military R&D investment to assure American technological superiority. Pundits who hold that commercial investments are currently producing products relevant to military operations point to the incredible growth of various consumer markets, e.g. electronics, telecommunications and personal computers. This report describes the efforts of the Center for Technology and National Security Policy (CTNSP) to assess the availability of Information Technology to support current and future military operations. In short, we wanted to consider whether there exist technological winners-or keepers-derived from research and development (R&D) investments initiated and sustained by private-sector firms. Based on the case studies derived from this study's purposive sample, we believe strongly that currently available technological products can easily be adopted by users and institutions within DOD. Moreover, we assert that these technologies will be able to support future operations effectively.In support of these assertions, this report describes a number...
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