Using Innovative Systems Thinking to Optimize Royal Navy Training
(Room S320E)
29 Nov 17
9:30 AM
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10:00 AM
While the Royal Navy (RN) has long recognised the opportunities presented by innovative training technologies and methodologies, current generations have inherited a training model that remains predicated on formal, instructor-led residential training. As the RN is looking to embrace more agile manning solutions, it is essential that the Service has mechanisms for delivering training to match.
To address these challenges, Project OPTIMUS was established to determine a more sustainable, effective and efficient system of generating People Capability through active exploitation of innovative learning theory, technology and practice. Its key argument is that new technologies, processes or ideas will only effectively root in training systems from a more collaborative approach between Service and Industry based on mutual incentives for coherent innovation.
However, discrete modernisation efforts have historically failed once local advocacy has subsided. Conversely, enduring innovation has arrived in the form of ‘stove-piped’ training solutions to support new equipment, or has been imposed by Defence programmes seeking localised efficiencies.
Theory of Constraints (TOC) has been used to model the complex reality of the naval training system and to gain new insights: a Current Reality Tree (CRT) was constructed and used to identify core problems and ‘vicious cycles’ impeding innovation. Consequently, a strategy was developed to target points of leverage and create favourable conditions for stakeholder collaboration.
This paper outlines the technique used to model the extant naval Training and Personnel systems and summarises the findings from this modelling stage. It links the findings to the subsequent strategy, shows how the resulting package of actions was developed and will be implemented, including a description of the challenges faced, and evaluates the extent to which the work has shaped the conditions for successful optimisation of RN training.