Innovation is the buzzword of the day. Innovation conjures images of bright new ideas and sleek technology. In most cases, though, innovation is ugly. Innovation results in a minimum viable product (MVP) held together with duct tape and bailing wire. It does not work consistently and certainly does not scale. However, innovative ideas do not have to live in skunkworks labs and garages. Properly applied, even the ugliest of innovations serve tangible and valuable purposes in real world, operational systems. Implementing innovations into operational environments in their “ugly” MVP states almost certainly accelerates their adoption or disposal; the latter being just as valuable as the former. During the past three years, applying these types of innovation resulted in faster training times, reduced instructor to student ratios, and improved student engagement within US Air Force, US Army and US Navy undergraduate aviation training programs. This paper describes the program management techniques, ranging from subcontracting, risk management, procurement, stakeholder management, and technical staffing, used to incorporate innovative technologies and methodologies into these programs. The paper also shares significant data points and lessons learned about Agile program management, culture change, and effective large team communication gathered during the execution of these programs.
Policy, Standards, Management, and Acquisition
Innovation Is Ugly: Managing Change in Operational Training Environments
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