Technical Leadership Development Program- Year 4

Abstract

Abstract : In 2009, the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) contracted with the Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC) for Research Task 4 (RT- 4) to conduct research and development for a proposed Systems Engineering (SE) technical leadership course (SYS 350) to accelerate technical leadership development of Systems Planning, Research, Development, and Engineering (SPRDE) senior level systems engineers. The RT- 4 project developed a prototype leadership course, designated by DAU as SYS350, that is comprised of three 5- day course modules or lenses designated as the SYS350A Systems lens, the SYS350B Business lens, and the SYS350C Enterprise lens. In Year 2 of the RT- 4 task, the SERC research team developed the prototype 5- day course module for the SYS350A course module or lens. Two SYS350A Systems lens pilot courses were conducted resulting in student feedback evaluation of the course and the instructors. The SYS350A feedback provided the foundation for subsequent SYS350B and SYS350C course research and development. In Year 3 of the RT- 4 task, the SERC team revised portions of the baseline SYS350A course prototype and conducted a second SYS350A student pilot, developed prototypes SYS350B and SYS350C modules and conducted two 350B and two 350C pilots. As a result of the analysis of feedback data compiled over the course of seven SYS 350 pilot modules, seven recommendations were developed by the SERC RT4 research team to support transition of the prototype SYS 350 course to DAU. 1. Student Course Expectations and Cohort Size: The recommended cohort size should range from twenty to twenty- five students. 2. Course Development Approach: An Objective or Focus Area approach is recommended for initial course prototyping. A Seminar or Plenary approach is recommended for post- prototype refinements and sustainment. 3. Technical- Behavioral Course Content Ratio and Integration: A 30% Leadership Thread- Technical course content ratio is a recommended starting point. 4. Grou