Cost Benefit Analysis for Human Effectiveness Research: Air Combat Capability Enhancement Suite

Human Systems IAC was asked to assess the costs and benefits associated with improving access to anthropometric information for Air Force decision-makers. To ensure that comments from individuals with a direct stake in this area of study were included, input was obtained from subject matter experts with both military and civilian backgrounds. A standard eight-step process was used to identify and evaluate the costs and benefits associated with the anthropometric information system in use and two alternative systems. This study evaluates the costs and benefits associated with these three anthropometric information alternatives. Each alternative was estimated for cost and evaluated for relative benefits. By assigning a numerical value to the benefits, Human Systems IAC was able to develop a cost/benefit ratio (CBR) for each of the three alternatives. The lower the CBR, the more desirable the alternative. Human Systems IAC found that the most effective alternative with respect to the stated goals was alternative #3, Searchable Database with Expert Interface, (CBR = 212.5). The second most desirable solution was alternative #2, the Searchable Database (CBR = 260.5). Based on the evaluated cost and benefits the least cost effective solution for providing anthropometric information was alternative #1, the status quo (CBR = 712.1). This report is one of several cost benefit efforts in the area of human effectiveness research sponsored by AFRL/HE. Other specific topics include bioacoustic protection, Distributed Mission Training (DMT) and a state of the art report outlining the methodology to conduct cost benefit analyses on human centered technologies. The original document contains color images.