EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Regional Counterparts Collaboration Workshop
14 – 16 November 2007, Honolulu Hawaii
Purpose. The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the impact on participants at this workshop as well as its effectiveness in achieving the stated objectives.
Objectives. The objectives of this workshop were to (1) Identify shared major regional security interests/issues within sub-regions and outside sub-regions (global); (2) compare learning models and identify and record potential collaboration interfaces related to education and leader development concepts and means; (3) identify potential research partnering and faculty exchange opportunities and means to identify, collate, and record agreed collaboration initiatives that participants will recommend to their organization to consider; and, (4) determine how participating Center/Institutes can expand mutual influence in the A-P region through mutual collaboration.
Results. The workshop achieved the stated objectives. Significant outcomes included identifying priority educational requirements in terms of broadening knowledge, sharpening skills and building relationships. Additionally, participants concurred in key assets and methods to meet educational requirements, prioritized collaborative opportunities that are doable now and those that need further study, and developed action plans and follow-on next steps for implementing the shared ideas.
Survey Analysis
HARMONIZE VIEWS ON COMMON SECURITY CHALLENGES:
v Networking, Cooperation & Collaboration. Participants declared the main benefit derived from the workshop was an expanded professional network increasing their ability for future cooperation and collaboration efforts. Participants stated the workshop “address[ed] one of the key missions in [their] organization’s mandate – networking,” thus, increasing the “possibilities of mutual cooperation.” “The workshop provided [an] opportunity to interact further cooperation among educational institutes in order to enhance security collaboration in the region…” “It helped establish linkages and relationships with other institutes for collaborative activities.” Participants plan on future collaboration efforts with other organizations in attendance. They plan on “developing functional collaboration by establishing a consortium.” They see “out-reach program[s] [as a] good method to develop a good relationship and collaborative” environment. “The workshop has set in motion certain new ideas for joint collaboration” in areas such as “training modules, joint curriculum development, teaching methodology, trend analysis, [and] terrorism and counter terrorism courses.” The biggest area of collaboration participants listed as a potential high-payoff opportunity between participant organizations was research collaboration. One benefit envisioned is the “tapping [into] each institute’s database of SMEs for participation in federated research projects and workshops.” They now see the potential for “multiple institutes researching the same topic and sharing findings.”
BUILD INSTITUTIONAL AND SECURITY CAPACITY:
v Curriculum and Research Efforts. The workshop furthered participants’ organizational goals by addressing methods to improve curriculum and research efforts. Participants stated the workshop helped “to enhance the[ir] educational method [and] to select the topics of in-depth research.” “It has provided a broader awareness of possible common approaches to and dimensions of education and development in the Asia Pacific Region.” The workshop provided a venue “to teach student officers and to update and develop our curricula and system.” “It helped to further the [participating] institutes’ vision of developing as world class institute[s] by actively learning and exchanging ideas.”
v Understanding Capabilities and Missions. Participants gained a clearer understanding and awareness of the other institutes’ capabilities and missions giving them a better perspective of their own organization’s goals. Participants stated they depart “with better insight as to how [their] own organization can make itself relevant within [their] own mandate and within [their] own special task.” “To know the information of other organization[s] is valuable.” They now have “a greater understanding and awareness of the capabilities and mission[s] of the Centers in each country.”
v Linking Databases. Participants listed possible database linkages as a high-payoff opportunity between participant organizations. They believe there will be great benefit in “sharing of alumni database[s], especially those who went abroad to foreign institutes.” There are many “great opportunit[ies] for linkages” and “information sharing through VTC, database of security experts and activities, and the possibilities of linking libraries.”
EDUCATE OFFICIALS ON THE ROLE OF SECURITY IN CIVIL SOCIETIES
v Faculty Exchange. Some participants mentioned the potential high-payoff opportunity of exchanging faculty. They suggested the exchange could be “short [term like] 2 months or even longer-term [like] 1 year appointments.” This would provide faculty with a first-hand opportunity to share their curriculum, views, and methods of educating on the role of security in each of their institutes.
Survey Methodology. The Workshop Survey was administered to 100% of the 16 participants outside of APCSS. The survey was comprised of 3 qualitative questions and an additional comment section.
Contact Information. For more information, please contact Assessment and Evaluation at (808) 971-8911 or email mcdonaldd@apcss.org.
