Assessing User Requirements for an Automated System to Support Programmed Depot Maintenance through Use of a Rapid Prototype in a Group Support System Environment

The purpose of this thesis was to assess user requirements for an automated information system to support programmed depot maintenance (PDM). To accomplish this, the Integrated Technical Information for the Air Logistics Centers (ITI-ALC) program's rapid prototype was evaluated. The evaluation focused on users' perception of how well the prototype met system and human computer interface requirements for PDM technicians and managers. A group support system (GSS) was used as an analysis tool to evaluate the prototype and collect evaluation data. Using the prototype as a requirements baseline for the ITI-ALC system, this thesis had three objectives: to perform an assessment of the prototype and illicit modifications; to determine prototype compatibility with user's needs; and to investigate using OSS for prototype analysis. A total of seven users composed of PDM technicians and supervisors evaluated the prototype by following a scenario, and documenting their ideas using the GSS. Results indicate the prototype functionally meets user's requirements, however suggested modifications to enhance the prototype and gain more user acceptance. Results also indicate that a 055 is effective and efficient for performing prototype analysis. The primary recommendation was to make suggested changes and perform further tests to refine the ITI-ALC system baseline.Air Force Inst of Tech Wright-Patterson AFB OH is the author of 'Assessing User Requirements for an Automated System to Support Programmed Depot Maintenance through Use of a Rapid Prototype in a Group Support System Environment', published 1996 under ISBN 9781423574248 and ISBN 1423574249.