Interactive Learning Environment for Managing Multinational, Interagency, and Other Interactions in Stability, Security, Transition and Reconstruction

Social, cultural and organizational differences between U.S. military forces (USMs), multinational forces (MNFs), other U.S. and foreign government agencies (OGAs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) make interactions between members of these organizations engaged in stability, security, transition and reconstruction operations (SSTR) less effective. Opportunities exist to develop a SCORM compliant, interactive computer based simulation to educate and exercise USMs in the principles of effective interactions with MNFs, OGAs and NGOs. Although differences in national and organizational culture contribute to difficulties, cultural diversity is not the only problem. Differences in organizational missions, structures and processes, human resources policies, reward systems and cultures create problems that make communication, coordination, cooperation and ultimately collaboration less effective across organizational boundaries. Our first goal will be to identify the context, profiles of participating organizations, principles and practices of successful inter-organizational interactions through a literature review, Lessons Learned and critical incident interviews with USMs, MNFs, OGAs and NGOs. The second goal is to develop a pedagogic strategy, review military and commercial educational software products, choose a software supplier and design a system of technology tools. Our third goal is to create a plan with timetable and budget for the development of the software tools.