Information Experts

Defense Logistics Agency

Human Resources Strategies Office

Services

• Web-based Training Consulting
• Competency Assessments
• Curriculum Mapping
• Communications Planning/Consulting

Project Description

The Defense Logistics Agency contracted with Information Experts for its highly consultative approach to integrating learning management systems and communications to improve employee satisfaction and meet organizational goals. Our work directly supports DLA's Strategic Plan and Transformation Roadmap, which set competency development goals to develop, challenge and retain the workforce. However, DLA's previous attempts to build a competency-based training program resulted in low participation rates from DLA employees. The enormous investment DLA had made in its LMS and Competency Assessment Management Tool (CAMT) risked being underutilized.

Information Experts created a comprehensive communications strategy that would:

• Establish employee trust in and enthusiasm for the project
• Promote an open and inclusive atmosphere
• Support information flow and credibility
• Foster inclusiveness in the process
• Prevent the spread of misinformation

Concurrently, Information Experts worked with DLA's competency development team to launch a 12-week pilot project to identify technical competencies, map available training to those competencies, and populate the LMS and the CAMT. At the end of the pilot, a test group of employees used the CAMT to complete a self-assessment, identify gaps in their skills set, and be given a menu of training that would help them to close those gaps. The purpose of the pilot project was to refine a process that will be implemented DLA-wide.

To respond to DLA's long-term implementation needs, Information Experts was challenged during this pilot project to create a "generic" communications plan and course mapping methodology that could be rolled out over time regardless of the DLA audience or time line. The result was an html-based communications matrix for managing communications against milestones and which facilitates customization of messages when needed. For course mapping, we developed a 12-week process that includes consulting with DLA employees to identify training opportunities that will best meet the needs of their workforce and culture. These processes are completely scalable and repeatable, meaning Information Experts can employ them however DLA should choose to prioritize the roll out — across divisions sequentially or simultaneously. Full implementation should begin in 2007.

In addition, Information Experts will be creating a visual brand for the DLA competency development program. All materials related to the process — reports, posters, news articles, DLA LMS training, etc. — will reinforce the brand and build awareness and support for the program. How to best set metrics and measure progress over time will also be determined

Callout

Our work directly supports DLA's Strategic Plan and Transformation Roadmap, which set competency development goals to develop, challenge and retain the workforce.

Result

A highly successful model for replicating course mapping and communications across the DLA-enterprise in support of its workforce transformation goals.