Operational Information Management (IM) Skills, Knowledge and Attitude requirements

What is this report about?

It describes the education requirements for Information Managers within a Network Enabled Capability (NEC) context.

What problem does the report address?

At the moment there are many competency frameworks for IM and working within NEC but these tend to address the individual skills needed to use software and a computer. The educational requirements elicited suggest these only address part of the IM problem and that personnel need to be able to put their work in a wider context. They must know why they are doing what they are doing, so that it is meaningful.

What is the benefit of this work?

It identifies an educational requirement, which is currently, largely overlooked in the context of IM. This can now be addressed which should lead to improved performance within NEC.

Who should take note of it?

Anyone involved in training and education for NEC.

What is the report's status?

Unclassified

What are the main issues addressed in the report?

The issues addressed in this research programme were the identification of education requirements for information management.

What are the findings?

The main conclusions were that most IM personnel have the basics software skills to use desktop applications but training is required in information age warfare principles, information management principles and generic information management skills.

What is recommended?

Development education and training to address these requirements at all levels within the military. A knowledge and skills framework is provided in the report.

Why bother?

Education in IM is vital for the successful exploitation of NEC. Education and training provided must complement the hardware and software component to ensure success.