On-line Naval Engineering skills supplemental training program Bob Galway, Mechanical Engineer

Abstract: This paper proposes development of an e-learning and knowledge management training program designed to assist naval engineers with the transition between academic course work and applications unique to the experiences of naval and marine design engineers. The model for this program is a technology-focused version of the program currently employed by the Defense Acquisition University (DAU). DAU has demonstrated that a structured e-learning training program and specialized knowledge management tool can be a cost effective means to provide large groups of government employees specialized training on complex subjects. Creating a series of on-line training modules for a Naval engineering and marine engineering oriented curriculum and supporting it with a knowledge management system that parallels the current DAU Acquisition training method is a logical extension of this success. Such a program would directly benefit the general level of effectiveness of all civilian engineers, but would be particularly useful in engineering roles where breadth of general knowledge can influence the quality of a specific engineering product, such as the role of a design engineer. The proposed program is to be used in parallel with existing training programs, on-the-job training and specialized training programs, with an emphasis on core competency skill development and inter-relationships between systems. Such a program would serve as a flexible tool for supervisors, be familiar to new engineers, and provide Human Resources (HR) organizations a snapshot of subject specific intellectual assets at any time. A training tool of this type would provide employees a life-long engineering knowledge management software toolbox that could be centrally updated and maintained by the appropriate Naval technical authority