Embedding the APS Values: Case studies and other supporting material

Please note: These documents are for reference purposes only and are no longer considered by the APS Commission to be current. They may contain good practice advice and/or advice on the transitional arrangements between the 1922 and 1999 Public Service Acts.

globe Useful references

Case study 34:
Department of Defence:
Leadership in the Defence Materiel Organisation

Background

Quantum is a leader development program for Executive Level 1s and 2s and their military equivalents in the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO). It began in April 2002 and was developed to support values-based leadership within the DMO.

Description

Quantum comprises five modules spread over a 12-month period. Each module has a key theme: Leader as Person, Leader as Change Agent, Leader as Strategist, Leader as Tactician, and Leader as Activist. Within these themes, the content of Quantum has been developed to meet DMO's business needs. It includes topics such as business acumen, managing partnerships and political acumen. Each intake of Quantum is assigned an independent learning adviser who works with the group for the program's duration. Additionally, a member of the DMO executive works as a program mentor and helps to facilitate the integration of program learning with the organisation's work. The program's structure is sequential with an emphasis on building a dynamic network among participants.

Quantum is delivered through a combination of expert facilitators, guest speakers and in-house presenters.

The program is designed to help participants to:

review their leadership skills and practices
identify areas for development, and understand the organisational context of their outputs
adopt strategies for workplace implementation of new learning.

The program content is consistent with the capabilities of the Senior Executive Leadership Capability Framework.

Quantum is evaluated on a continuous basis using a variety of tools, including focus groups with participants. The program has been adjusted as a result, with generally positive evaluations of the programs run to date. A comprehensive evaluation is planned for March 2004 when five programs will have been completed.

Key APS Value

The APS has leadership of the highest quality. (s. 10(1)(h) of the PS Act)

For more information please contact:

KEVIN PATRICK
PHONE 02 6265 6466
kevin.patrick@defence.gov.au