Leading a Learning Revolution: The Story Behind Defense Acquisition University's Reinvention of Training

This book tells the story of an amazing transformation that took place within the U.S. Department of Defense. Written by practitioners who have won nearly every major award in the industry, this account of the creation of Defense Acquisition University (DAU) provides a clear blueprint for turning any existing training organization into an innovative, world-class learning enterprise.

Providing a step-by-step, insider's look at the entire transformation process, this book offers essential elements for success, industry-recognized best practices, and real-world lessons learned. In sharing their inspiring story, the authors discuss how to establish a mission and vision, develop a performance-based strategic planning process, and tackle change initiatives. They also explain the implementation of a web-enabled learning architecture, reveal how to effectively measure and evaluate performance, and present strategies for assuring continual improvement.

In today's evolving, more competitive business environment, efficiency and agility aren't just valuable--they're imperative. With this book, any organization can tap into DAU's winning strategies for nurturing innovation, facilitating reform, and improving organizational performance.

About the Authors

Frank J. Anderson is president of the Defense Acquisition University (DAU). Under his leadership, DAU was selected the top learning and development organization in the United States in 2004, receiving the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Best Award, recognizing organizations that demonstrate enterprise-wide success or achievement. Anderson also was selected by his peers as the 2004 Chief Learning Officer of the Year, and again in 2006 as Leader of the Year during the Corporate University Best-in-Class Awards.

Christopher R. Hardy, Ph.D. is the strategic planner for the Defense Acquisition University. Prior to his current position, he also served as a strategic planner in private industry becoming a vice president, INNOLOG, Inc., a global supply chain logistics company, headquartered in McLean, Virginia.

Jeffrey Leeson is a professional writer and editor. He lives in New York