| dc.description.abstract | This research project evaluated the effectiveness of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Leadership Development Program (LDP). SAME is a prominent advocate for addressing national security infrastructure challenges. The SAME LD program has garnered positive feedback from both program participants and organizers. The organization recognizes the need for continuous improvement, and we partnered with them to assesses the program's alignment to SAME's goals and offer recommendations for enhancement. This study included qualitative and quantitative research methods using surveys, interviews, and document reviews. The study noted five key findings. The first finding related to inconsistencies with SAME LD program survey results due to inconsistent surveys from cohort to cohort. The next finding highlighted the curriculum strengths and weaknesses. The third finding noted the program benefits for LDP participants, and the impact leadership experience had on participant reported program benefits. The next finding highlighted some of the challenges related to the classroom environment and instructional practices. The last finding noted the limited opportunity to apply the knowledge/skills acquired through the virtual sessions. Based on the findings, we recommend that SAME implement the following recommendations: 1) Create a consistent survey that is applied to all cohorts moving forward, 2) Place more emphasis on the first two elements of the program curriculum (Know Yourself, Know Your Team), 3) Refine the LDP selection criteria, 4) Offer facilitator training and enhance the classroom experience, 5) Incorporate opportunities for program participants to practice and apply the knowledge/skills learned during the program. | |
