The Role of Human Factors in Veteran SQA Training

Abstract

The difficulty of translating military experience into the civilian workforce has led to a high unemployment rate for returning veterans. In a recent collaboration between Bridge360 and Park University a Software Quality Assurance training course was developed to assist returning veterans in learning the fundamentals of Software Quality Assurance. The objective of this paper is to describe how human factors played a role in the successful implementation of the veterans SQA training course and their successful transition into the civilian workforce. The goal of the human factors methods used during the coursework was to provide a solid skill set for the veterans and the continuous improvement of the course material. This was accomplished through a series of lectures, tests, and surveys during the course. In addition to hands-on experiments, guest speakers and case studies also were shown to be important. In the case of returning veterans the application of human factors went beyond the improving the courseware and included placing the veterans in SQA positions that they were uniquely qualified. With their newly acquired abilities combined with their military skills set allowed them to make a successful transition from military service to software quality assurance interns. Their military skill set includes human factors such as the ability to work as a team member or as a team leader, ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines, and high standards of quality and a serious commitment to excellence. In conclusion, human factors played crucial role in the implementation of a successful training program in support of veterans in returning to the workforce. Clearly there is a need for additional veteran training programs to help with the huge influx of returning veterans. Other institutions considering implementation of similar training programs should consider the importance of human factors as a framework to increase instructional quality and the competency measurements of the participants.