Case Analysis effectiveness

               For the last assignment in my course ASCI 530 at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University we were tasked with doing a case analysis of an issue as it relates to unmanned aircraft. I chose to do a piece on integration of UAS into the National Airspace System. The case analysis approach appears to be an effective means in researching a perceived problem and has a very step by step approach. First we need to create an issue statement, which is a general overview of the perceived issue. The next step was to identify how significant that issue was, which is in essence the heart and soul of the analysis. The next step was to create alternative actions, this is an area where we are allowed to be creative and are encouraged to do so, and come up with solutions that could eliminate the perceived issues. The final step was suggesting a recommendation based on our analysis of the issue. Overall I felt that this was an effective means of arriving at a solution. Recently an area where this I could see as applicable in the field would be our current runway shutdown that NAS Jacksonville has been attempting to complete for years. The case analysis I would chose to do would be issues regarding when the runway opens back up and what that means to the controllers who have not controlled aircraft in over a year essentially. I think utilizing the case analysis approach in this regard would be extremely useful in detailing out all the perceived issues with the lack of proficiency training that most of the air traffic controllers I work with are used to.  Another area where a case analysis could be useful would be in looking at a very specific technology, such as sense-and-avoid technology for unmanned aircraft. I think doing this would help to address issues after doing a request for proposal, or vise-versa.

               In the future I think that a case analysis could be more effective as a team concept, groups of two or three people doing a project of this magnitude can become overwhelming and in the aviation industry it almost always seems that groups are the norm. This would be a more effective use of the case analysis as people can be extremely focused on one detail of the project (issue, alternative actions, etc.) rather than try to do all of the pieces together. I think establishing this line of communication would lead to better outcomes on future project proposals. Even moving forward in a career, I think having small teams focus on doing a particular project would be the most effective means to come up with an ideal solution. As the old adage goes “two minds are greater than one.” For utilizing this in a university setting I would recommend having a list of perceived problems for specific coursework. Unmanned systems is something I am not yet familiar with, but am trying to “master” those concepts, which is where I think having the industry experts that are teaching that coursework would certainly have a better idea of perceived problems that could be researched further. Overall it is an  effective means to researching a project, and is applicable in both a university setting and a work related setting, the context that would change would be how that project is setup, ultimately I see a project being better suited for a small group.