Program Description

The Operations Academy was modeled after successful leadership training programs offered in other fields. It included two parts: an initial self study program followed by a two-week (ten-day) total immersion program.

Two Week Total Immersion Program: The total immersion program included the following mix of activities:
1. Formal classroom training organized around the six fundamental principles of management and operations – (1) Operations as a system, (2) Leveraging Improved Mobility and Safety through Operations, (3) Performance Measurement, (4) Customer Service, (5) Organization, (6) Management
2. Two Workshops - included small group exercises, with specific roles assigned to each participant. Participants addressed difficult transportation management and operations challenges, and proposed solutions based on the principles provided during the classroom training. Solutions were presented during classroom time.
3. Four Field Studies were conducted by workshop participants. Visits were made to the Port of Baltimore, the Maryland Statewide Operations Center (SOC) and the Montgomery County TMC. For a few hours one morning, all participants also rode with one of Maryland’s Service Patrols. Participants were required to analyze these facilities based on the Operations Template discussed in class.

Self-Study Program: Following acceptance into the program, participants were required to complete a series of on-line self-assessment exams to demonstrate their familiarity with terminology and principles in a wide range of key technical and management subjects. The amount of time required to complete self-study requirements varied, however, most participants were prepared to devote up to 40 hours to self-study prior to arrival for the on-site session. Self-study material was provided to participants two months prior to the beginning of the two week program. NOTE: For the March 2007 session, pre-study was 40 hours. Student evaluations indicated that this amount should be reduced. Thus, for future sessions, students will be required to complete 20 hours of pre-study.

Arrangements: Participants were housed at the Maritime Institute. They attended class and participated in field studies during the day and spent evenings working on workshop assignments. Some participants returned home during the weekend but most remained at the training facility. A storm prevented many from returning home. Trips to Washington, DC and Baltimore were arranged for the weekend.

Read about Operations Academy's objectives, participants, nomination process and scholarships: Operation Academy page.

Go to Operations Academy website.

Procurement Agency: Maryland SHA
Project Contact: Kathleen Frankle, University of Maryland

Year 14 - The objective of this project is to fund 25 Coalition members to attend either the March or November 2007 Operations Academy Senior Management session.

Year 15 - The objective of this project is to fund 24 Coalition members to attend one of the Operations Academy Senior Management sessions that will be offered in 2008.

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In March 2007, twenty two participants from across the country, participated in this intensive two week program of classroom lectures, workshops, working field trips and presentations by nationally recognized guest speakers. The two weeks of on-site training was preceded by forty hours of pre-study readings and exams. The completion of this program represents a significant accomplishment for each participant.

It is an honor to even have been chosen to participate in the program. There were a large number of nominations received and participant selection was a difficult endeavor. Fourteen of the participants were Coalition members that were able to participate because of scholarship funding provided by the Coalition. An additional eleven Coalition members will take part in the November 2007 session.

All the students that graduated stated that the networking aspect of the program was one of the best features. Ling Li from Virginia DOT stated: “The Operations Academy Senior Management Program provided the opportunity for people in the same field to exchange ideas and experiences. It was an invaluable aspect of the program.” This is one of the key interests for the coalition in this program: The Operations Academy permits managers from Coalition agencies – some who may not be active in the coalition – to connect with managers in other coalition agencies to cross-pollinate ideas along the corridor in an intensive professional environment.

At the conclusion of the program, all twenty two participants had extremely positive things to say about the program. Below are a few quotes from several Coalition members who attended.

• “Increased efficiency of our transportation system is critical to our future as a society. The Operations Academy enhanced my ability and knowledge to make a contribution at Mass Highway in this regard.” – Paul Jodoin, Massachusetts highway Department

• “This was an incredibly comprehensive program. I will be able to apply concepts learned right away, not only from the country’s expert in operations, but from our peer states’ experiences as well. I will recommend the program strongly to others in my state!” – Rob Limoges, New York State DOT

• “This program provided me with a broad survey of techniques and approaches other agencies have used to intensively manage capacity and reduce delay on their roadway facilities. This program gave me a brand new “tool-box” for providing the Authority’s customers with better service.” - Daniel Jacobs, MTA Bridges and Tunnels

Based on the success of the initial session of the Operations Academy Senior Management Program, additional funding was provided in Year 15 for an additional 24 Coalition members to attend one of the Operations Academy Programs that will be offered in 2008. The Operations Academy Senior Management Program is a small investment in the future leaders of the Coalition’s member agencies and supports the federal governments new focus on highway operations. It will benefit Coalition members both immediately through an increased focus on operations and in the future as the Operations Academy participants are promoted to more senior positions within their organizations. Academy graduates will play a key role in the transition of State and local Departments of Transportation from a construction orientation to an operations orientation.

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