English publication
- Boot, E.W., Theunissen, N.C.M., Janssen,N., & Van Schaik,M. (submitted) Supply chain management of training development: an inventory of problems and possible solutions. (Report. No. TNO-DV3 2005 A167). Soesterberg, The Netherlands: TNO Defence, Security and Safety.
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Abstract
Problem: to investigate how the supply chain management
of training development (the process from needs assessment to delivery of
education) for blended learning solutions within the Royal Netherlands Air
Force (RNLAF) can be improved. Blended learning refers to modern learning
methods, often based upon competency-based learning, using a mix of didactical
models and media. The RNLAF does not know yet where possible problems will
take place. This study describes where problems will occur, and what possible
solutions are.
Method: A survey study is used to investigate how commercial,
academic and military organizations in the Netherlands and America apply their
educational supply chain management. Subsequently, a literature study is conducted
to investigate which recent guidelines and models exist for arranging and
managing the educational chain management.
Results: The results show that problems with organizing and
executing activities occur in all phases of the chain, and that these problems
are the same for both countries and all types of organizations. An important
problem seems to be in the (transition between) design and production activities,
but developers are not able to indicate the exact cause. Whereas guidelines
from literature and Military models don’t provide enough support to
improve the current supply chain, new production methods from the field of
manufacturing could be able to provide solutions for these problems. Particularly
the push-principle in stead of the pull-principle, in combination with continuous
quality control to prevent “waste”, seems promising.
Recommendations: It is recommended to investigate if these
new production models are applicable within the Royal Netherlands Air Force,
how this should be done, and if they indeed contribute to a better supply
chain management.
Keywords
Supply chain management, Training development, Inventory, Learning Innovations, Production models, Air Force, Military, Blended learning, Competence based learning