A Guide to Transitions in Education and Training Systems

Today, as never before the Marine Corps is faced with meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing social, technical and fiscal environment. Traditional training methods are being reviewed to ensure that they meet the needs of individuals and the Marine Corps. In several situations training philosophies and technologies have been subject to major changes. In doing so, it is believed that changing student and Marine Corps requirements can be more readily responded to while realizing a significant cost saving. To date, there are very few published guidelines to assist commanders in developing and coordinating transitions from the present to the desired program. This thesis seeks to provide such a model by proposing that changes progress from the present state, through a transition period to the future or desired state. Several plans for managing various aspects of the transition are outlined and illustrated in detail. In addition, a simulated system change has been developed to further clarify the model. Finally, attention is drawn to the general applicability of the model for managing a broad range of organizational change efforts. (Author)