Delivering Optimal Training for Future Systems
Abstract
This research, conducted on behalf of the HFI DTC under acceleration funding, forms part of a scoping study for the project entitled Optimal Training for Future Systems. The work examines the fate of training needs in the procurement process particularly at the detailed level during the evolution of user and system requirements documents and more widely in the life of a project. By interviewing stakeholders, a picture is formed of the current state of training procurement in terms of organisation and methodology, focussing on the core Training Needs Analysis process. After considering a number of trends which may produce a demand for faster change in training provision, the report makes a number of recommendations aimed, in part, at improving the agility of the process. These include:
- The TNA process is found to be largely robust with the exception of an acknowledged deficiency in the area of collective training for which the guidance should be amended.
- Implementation of the TNA process within procurement is not always satisfactory. This is due to a large number of factors including the lack of training specialists in DPA and a lack of communication between industry and Customer 2. Perhaps the most important issue is a tendency for TNA work to be delayed in the CADMID cycle, this trend needs to be reversed to ensure that sufficient work is conducted during concept and assessment to ensure that realistic manpower and budget definition occurs before Main Gate. More detailed guidance on the conduct of early phase TNA work would be beneficial.
- A variety of software tools exist to assist the TNA practitioner to capture training requirements. Although these are not held in particularly high regard further development of an integrated tool does not seem warranted. Rather more emphasis should placed on guidance and tools to address specific areas such as the train/not train decision and Training Options Analysis, wherein the balance of live versus synthetic training remains a key question.
- The existing knowledge base of TNA case studies held within Customer 2 training organisations could usefully be developed and disseminated more widely e.g. within DPA.
- Training issues merit a higher priority in programmes of demonstration and experimentation. Failure to grasp aspects of training during such studies wastes an opportunity for the early identification of training solutions.
- Greater use of the MoDAF products during TNA is identified as a possible solution to the definition of training needs across a capability and their subsequent reconciliation with the steady state Training Enterprise.
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