Dutch publication
- Theunissen, N. C. M., Melis, P. J. J. M., & Bots, M. J. (2005). Professionalisering van functionarissen Modellering & Simulatie - eindrapportage (Rep. No. TNO-DV3 2005-A 008). Soesterberg, The Netherlands: TNO Human Factors.
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Abstract
Purpose: Simulations are getting more and more integrated
in education and training within the Royal Netherlands Army (RNLA). Educational
and training personnel need to have specific competencies to fulfil their
function with respect to modelling and simulation (M&S). To acquire qualified
personnel within the M&S work area, it is necessary to identify the essential
competencies for M&S functions and to create a career path. In this research
we will describe competency profiles for several M&S functions and integrate
these profiles in a career path.
Method: First, four interviews were conducted to identify
the M&S work area within the RNLA. Then a selection of relevant M&S
functions was made. A set of competence statements was formulated as input
for a card sort method. In this method M&S personnel was asked to sort
the statements on their importance for one of the selected functions. These
results were analyzed to describe the competence profiles and career path.
Results: The selected M&S functions were observer/trainer,
analyst, scenario writer and instructor/operator. We analysed the sorted statements
on their correlation, which resulted in five correlation factors. Each factor
was identified as a main competence within the M&S work area. The importance
of the main competences on the selected functions was described in a competence
profile. These profiles showed both similarities and differences between the
M&S functions. As the results were not conclusive, we therefore formulated
three development profiles for the M&S field.
Conclusion: Competence profiles are necessary to extract
a conclusive career path. Furthermore, relations with other functions within
Education & Training Centres (OTC'a) and the human resources development
need to be examined to describe this career path clearly.
Keywords
Army, Card-sort, Competencies, Professional Development, Education, Training, Factor analyses, Resources/Interview/Interviews/Method/Modelling Simulators, On the job training
