Evaluation of the quality of current missile threat analysis

The purpose of this qualitative study was to discover how the Intelligence Community measures the effectiveness or quality of the technical all-source missile threat analysis that is provided by the U.S. Department of Defense intelligence organizations. The study population was 20 senior leaders from the U.S. Federal Government with a precise evaluation centered upon the population of the IC senior leadership responsible for making strategic decisions on missile threat analysis. The data collected for the qualitative study was gathered through a personal one-on-one interview with each key leader. To ensure a full circle perception of the research topic, the data collection included a form of triangulation. The data analysis included both manual and automated methods. The results from the research provided information relevant to the improvement of the measurement processes on stakeholder satisfaction that the intelligence agencies have in place. The results reflected existing benefits and produced an understanding of the problems associated in the current lack of measurement of quality. The answer to what intelligence agencies consider important and unimportant in missile threat analysis provided an understanding of the unity or lack thereof across the intelligence agencies and the potential for a collaborative learning environment.