Effectiveness of Short-Term Training Programs for Senior National Security Officials.

摘要

To assess the effectiveness of short-term training programs for senior national security officials, research is being conducted on two fronts. First there is the research that is required to develop a program that can serve as a suitable model, i.e. the new Harvard Executive Program in National Security. Second is that which is required to assess how effectively the program meets its basic objectives. The research to support the program itself primarily involves the development of appropriate case studies. As the program's principal pedagogical instrument, the case study represents one of the more rewarding forms of research, particularly where application is concerned. Exposure to high-level officials provides an immediate and demanding test of accuracy and effectiveness and, through the feedback that ensues, serves to enrich the quality of the case materials. This certainly proved to be the case with the six new cases that were developed for the first session of the Executive Program in Nationl Security. These included two cases on the Panama Canal Treaty negotiations, one on the Philippine Base negotiations, and three on Eurocommunism.