Different people analyzing the same question should arrive at the same answer on the basis of logic alone. Much of what we do in targeting or target development is concerned with value choices that, while they may be described explicitly in words, are extremely difficult to describe in the language of mathematics or the computer. Throughout the targeting process we must maintain the thread of objectives or, in other words, the commander's vision of the desired end state. We are concerned not only with specific levels of damage, but also in the enemy's reaction to that damage as it pertains to our objectives. Qualitative analysis examines potential targets to determine importance, significance, and priority of attack based on value choices that are not quantifiable.
Qualitative analysis can also become necessary when precise information is simply unavailable.
They are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary techniques to structure a problem and reach a rational conclusion. Both may be used to reduce uncertainty in decision making. Each technique has strengths that tend to diminish the limitations of the other. We begin our analysis by gathering all the available information and data available on the system. The general system characteristics we've already outlined provide the focus of our examination.