Evaluating a Swedish Airborne Combat Capability using Computer Supported Morphological Analysis

Abstract

General morphological analysis (GMA) is a method for structuring and analysing the total set of relationships contained in multi-dimensional, non-quantifiable problem complexes, and for synthesising solution spaces. During the past ten years, MA has been extended, computerised and applied by FOI for scenario development, long-term strategy management and organisational structuring. This article outlines the fundamentals of the morphological approach and describes its use in a study carried out by the Swedish Army Command concerning the development of an airborne combat capability. The study was to evaluate how such a capability can enhance armed forces' operations in a fifteen-year perspective. MA was utilised for the initial structuring and analysis of the relationships between the variables involved, among these tactical, organisational, economic, and command and control. With this method, complex assessments can be carried out within a matter of days, saving time and recourses.