A naval design study on a small, unmanned surface vessel

The thesis is based on a naval study of a small, unmanned surface vessel. Furthermore, the study has been conducted in accordance with the Norwegian method of procurement PRINSIX. The study has been a preliminary project and involves the three first phases of the PRINSIX method: The idea phase (IP), the concept phase (CP), and the definition phase (DP). The IP analysed three ideas of conceptual solution: Mine Counter Measurement (MCM), Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), and Force Sustainment USV’s in light of operational needs in a top-down approach. Eventually, the output of the idea phase was a recommendation to further investigate the idea of ISR USV’s. The CP analysed analysed the capabilities and mission need for chosen alternatives, and further identified the capabilities for the conceptual solutions. The output of this analysis was four potential options: Continuation of current assets, small, passive ISR USV’s in large numbers, small active and passive ISR USV’s in limited numbers, and small active and passive ISR USV’s in limited numbers with offensive capabilities. Furthermore, a trade-off analysis, risk assessment, and rought technical considerations regarding hull and propulsion was made. Consequently, the CP concludes with a recommendation to move forward with option 1, Small ISR USV’s with a towable passive sonar in conjunction with deployable sonobuoys. Furthermore, the CP recommends moving forward with a conventional hydrostatic displacement hull and a hybrid propulsion configuration. The DP started off with specifying the preliminary capabilities and requirements for the chosen conceptual solution. Furthermore, a preliminary vessel was chosen as a reference vessel. The chosen reference vessel was then subject of a trade-off analysis with respect to alternative solutions for hull, propulsor, drivetrain, energy producers, and energy storage. The preliminary design solution was then deducted through a parametric study based on the preliminary capabilities and requirements, and the parameters in the design spiral. Moreover, a set of optimized parameters and a final optimized solution was presented and further analysed with respect to a weight breakdown, cost assessment, and a risk assessment. Finally, a recommendation was made based on the findings in the points of decision and the associated risk analysis. In conclusion, the recommendation is to not move forward into a development- and completion phase, judging the current state of the vessel. Further optimization is essential to reduce the risk of procurement

Optimal Resource Rent

This paper develops the first systematic attempt to model and empirically estimate the concept of optimal resource renting. Optimal rent is found to be positively affected by increases in the recession buffer and resource endowment, and negatively affected by the opportunity cost of hoarding. The model is then tested empirically on Norway, an oil-rich state, and actual renting is found to be systematically diverging from the optimal rent series. At least a third of the variation in actual renting is always left unexplained by the economic variables of the model, and should be attributed to the institutional and political factors that lie beyond the scope of our analysis.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/133064/1/wp1046.pd

OPTIMIZING NORWEGIAN SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES FOR FUTURE OPERATIONS IN THE INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT

Operations in the information environment (OIE) are increasingly central to military operations across the competition continuum. Norwegian Special Operations Forces (NORSOF) faces this reality when realigning capabilities for missions and tasks in the future security environment. This research aims to answer the question, “What gaps, challenges, and opportunities does NORSOF face to effectively integrate and develop information-related capabilities to increase its operational utility in the information environment?” To do so, this thesis offers a study of policy and DOTmLPF-F capability elements (e.g., doctrine, organization, training) that contrasted with data from a survey administered by the Norwegian Defense Research Establishment. The research finds a defensive and reactive policy and a doctrinal focus on effects in the physical domain. Further, NORSOF faces internal and external resource constraints, knowledge gaps, and limited OIE-related leadership priorities. This thesis suggests NORSOF increase operational utility in the information environment by focusing on education, leadership development, organizational responsibilities, joint targeting process involvement, and dedicated engagement in ongoing strategic level and Norwegian Army strategic communication and information projects. Furthermore, it recommends long-term approaches to enhance training and exercises, influence PME curriculum, and foster an active dialog with military strategic and political leadership.Norwegian Special Operations Command (NORSOCOM)Norwegian Defense Research Establishment (FFI)Major, Norwegian ArmyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited

NAVIES, COAST GUARDS, THE MARITIME COMMUNITY AND INTERNATIONAL STABILITY

The maritime security environment in East Asia is a policy priority for both private and state actors. The strategic and economic importance of the sea ensures that its stability is of primary concern. Yet competing visions of how stability should be achieved and what a new ‘status-quo’ looks like has created uncertainty and competition. Naval forces in the region are growing as littoral states seek to ensure their interests at sea are met. Concurrently, many of the same states have looked to maritime law enforcement agencies to supplement their maritime security capabilities. Through cases studies of littoral states in Asia and beyond this policy brief examines how states in the region have integrated maritime law enforcement agencies into their existing maritime security architecture and how successful these efforts have been. This Policy Brief also determines how maritime stability is impacted by these developments and how it can be maintained in this hybrid maritime operating environmen

Power and Arms: The Diffusion of Military Innovations and Technology. A Comparative Historical Analysis of the Spread of Military Power After the Cold War and Consequences for the Norwegian Navy in the NATO Alliance

This thesis investigates the extensive puzzle of various influences on the diffusion of military power, meaning the spread of certain innovations, through the international system and the implications for international politics and the NATO alliance. Building on recent contributions to the studies of diffusion of military innovations, this thesis explores how and why certain innovations spread at a faster rate than others, through theoretical accounts of revolution in military affairs and adoption capacity theory, not only for discussing how military power diffuses through the international system as a whole, but also in relation to the case of sea power and modern warship innovations. According to previous literature, military technologies should spread fairly quickly because of structural pressures to emulate and the possibility to free-ride on research and development investments made by other states. Conversely, history offers numerous examples in which major military innovations spread neither quickly nor extensively. In order to explain this puzzle, the study intends to provide useful insights on states’ financial and organizational capacity to adopt and implement new military innovations, and what this imply for the NATO alliance. Through a comparative historical analysis, the mechanisms at play will be mapped out by applying process tracing and historical accounts, and moreover, empirically tested against the theoretical and analytical framework

System supportability and life cycle cost based decisions

This thesis is a result of my PhD study at Molde University College, Norway. I started my study in June 2004, and this thesis is written in the period up until November 2008. The main supervisor for the thesis is Professor Øyvind Halskau, Molde University College, Norway. At the moment I am a Chief Consultant at Logiteam Consulting AS in Bergen, Norway, and I have a part time position as senior lecturer in logistics at the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy in Bergen, Norway. My PhD has been financed by the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy in Bergen, Norway where I have been employed as a senior lecturer in logistics and head of the Logistics and Management Department from May 2003 until September 2008, holding the rank of Commander Senior Grade. The main subject of my thesis is system supportability with a special focus on spare parts and life cycle cost based procurement decisions. The thesis contains four papers and a synthesis presenting why and what to research, the theoretical foundation of the thesis as well as how to research. The synthesis includes chapters on research design, validity and reliability, theoretical framework and paper abstracts. The synthesis further reports on the main research conclusions. Finally the synthesis gives the main research contribution along with self criticism and suggestions for future research. All four papers in the thesis have been published (or accepted for publishing) in peer reviewed journals or peer reviewed conference proceedings or both

Early Market Entry Strategies for Commercialization of Digital Innovation in the Welfare Sector: A Case of Smart Nutritional Bottle “FitPot”

This thesis embarks on a journey that began in May 2022, a semester before our thesis period, with the ideation stage of FitPot, a promising start-up aimed at revolutionizing hydration practices. This study examines the convergence of hydration, well-being, and technology through the innovative product design of FitPot—a technologically advanced water bottle that incorporates nutritional flavors—with the aim of helping FitPot validate its idea and advance toward the commercialization phase. The research conducted in this thesis involves a comprehensive analysis of the market landscape, including competitor assessment and an exploration of consumer preferences. By employing both primary and secondary data collection methods, this study provides a thorough evaluation of FitPot's strengths and weaknesses, as well as the opportunities and threats present within the industry. The thesis encompasses a combination of face-to-face and online surveys, with a sample size of 89 and 214 respondents, respectively. The face-to-face surveys have been conducted in Stavanger, Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim. The investigation extends further to explore potential growth strategies and market positioning for FitPot, including collaborations with fitness influencers, expansion into new markets, diversification of product offerings, and integration with popular fitness and health-tracking apps. The research outcomes offer valuable insights into the dynamic nature of hydration and wellness, shedding light on the important role technology plays in enhancing consumer well-being. The findings of this thesis not only provide strategic recommendations but also serve as a roadmap for FitPot's progression toward product commercialization and expansion. With the support of innovation studies, FitPot is equipped with the necessary insights and guidance to navigate the remaining stages of its journey. By adopting these proposed suggestions, FitPot can effectively move towards a successful market launch, capturing significant market share and maximizing its potential for long-term success. In essence, this thesis represents a collaborative effort to support FitPot in transforming its innovative idea into a tangible reality, creating a lasting impact on hydration and well-being

Compilation of Abstracts, December 2013

NPS Class of December 2013This publication, Compilation of Abstracts, contains abstracts of unrestricted dissertations, theses, and capstone project reports submitted for the doctor of philosophy, astronautical engineer, master of arts, master of business administration, and master of science degrees for the Naval Postgraduate School’s December 2013 graduating class.http://archive.org/details/compilationofabs109456086