Agent Based Modelling to Demonstrate Self-synchronisation at The Battle Of Trafalgar: A Demonstration of Computational Methods for Teaching Command and Control

Offord, M. (2022) Agent Based Modelling to Demonstrate Self-synchronisation at The Battle Of Trafalgar: A Demonstration of Computational Methods for Teaching Command and Control. In: 27th ICCRTS Information Central, Quebec City, Canada, 25-27 October 2022,

Abstract

Command and Control (C2) research demonstrates the value of decentralised decision making and agility. However, the complex situational factors that lead to self-organisation could be a barrier to teaching and understanding power to the edge. This paper explores the use of Agent Based Modelling (ABM), as an educational technique to visually demonstrate the effect of decentralised decision making at the Battle of Trafalgar. Using Net Logo simulation software, the movement of two fleets of warships can replicated. By using a few simple rules, agents simulating the Royal Navy Grand Fleet clearly demonstrate self-organisation, collaboration, and situational awareness. This shows the effect of emergence from complexity theory, where simple rules at one level result in self-organised and complex behaviour at another. Whilst the agents in the model cannot share information, their behaviour closely simulates self-synchronisation. The simulation allows levels of autonomy and situational awareness to be adjusted with the results demonstrating the efficacy of decentralised decision making in specific situations. The result of demonstrating the agility of independent agents makes a striking and straightforward affirmation of Edge C2 theory, through the historically well-known example of a famous battle. The paper will demonstrate how the simulation was created and the features which show self-organisation, agility, collaborative action, and situational awareness. As well as describing the basic operation of the programme, the paper will link this with C2 and complexity theory, showing how to use the model for educational purposes.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Offord, Dr Matt
• Authors: Offord, M.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © The Author(s) 2022
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with permission from the publisher

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