Maximise your returns in crisis management preparedness: A cyclic approach to training and exercises

Training and exercises programmes are not independent activities, forming part of a larger, risk-based, process of disaster management preparedness. In order to have an impact on an individual's skills knowledge or behaviours, or to influence organizational learning or procedures, the programmes needs a cyclic and holistic approach. It should focus on clearly identified outcomes that are designed to meet the demands of identified gaps and emerging threats. This will support meaningful evaluations against clear indicators. Without having clear outcomes, standards or values, it is not possible to evaluate the effectiveness of a programme. These outcomes form measurable performance indicators around which a detailed programme can be designed. Following delivery, analysis of the evaluation observations will identify critical gaps in knowledge, skills, behaviour or policy. This analysis allows clear, structured recommendations to be formulated that provide guidance as to the content of the continuing training programme cycle, prioritising key needs and ensuring maximum efficiency and utilisation of resources at all levels. By analysing and comparing six European Modules exercises (EU ModEx 2010-2011) and their outcomes we can demonstrate the benefits of this approach. We end this paper with recommendations that would potentially increase the learning outcomes in any future training or exercise programme.