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Jillian Wisniewski, SDM ’14

MIT SDM Systems Thinking Webinar Series

Jillian Wisniewski, Captain, US Army; System Dynamics Instructor, US Military Academy at West Point; SDM Alumna

Date: November 16, 2015

Download the presentation slides

About the Presentation

Modern intelligence analysts must generate and direct intelligence that supports the pace of tactical operations for a modular force with decentralized decision-making. Digital collection platforms, information systems, analytical software, and connectivity at the tactical level are useful but insufficient. Analysts need training in data analysis fundamentals to understand how to leverage these systems to support tactical mission planning and decision-making.

This type of analysis uses systems design tools to:

  • examine and model the design of military operations;
  • define the analyst’s required capability in the context of tactical operations;
  • explore, revise, and assess components of intelligence competency;
  • assess the relative costs of competency gaps; and
  • recommend improvements.

Webinar attendees will gain an understanding of how structural changes impact organizational processes as well as how performance shortfalls and shortcut methodologies impair military operations. They will also learn:

  • how to apply design thinking and systems methodologies to improve the training and educational requirements within an organization; and
  • how to apply system dynamics to explore the drivers of mission performance outcomes.

A Q&A will follow the presentation. We invite you to join us!

About the Speaker

Jillian Wisniewski is an Army captain and system dynamics instructor at the US Military Academy at West Point (USMA). She holds a BS in operations research from USMA and, as an SDM alumna, she holds a master’s degree in engineering and management from MIT.

About the Series

The MIT SDM Systems Thinking Webinar Series, sponsored by the System Design & Management (SDM) program, features research conducted by SDM faculty, alumni, students, and industry partners. The series is designed to disseminate information on how to employ systems thinking to address engineering, management, and socio-political components of complex challenges. Recordings and slides from prior SDM webinars can be accessed here.