Business research contribution on NATO organisational learning continues with two further impact events in Europe

On 5 November 2024, NUSC member Dr. John Tull (BOS) and his collaborator from Royal Holloway (Prof. Tom Dyson) presented findings to the over 100 military officers and civilian managers participating in the NATO Explosive Ordnance Disposal [EOD] Centre of Excellence Conference in Samorin, Slovakia.

Figure 1. John Tull presenting findings at the EOD COE Conference 2024. Source: Project team

‘Explosive ordnance’ means land mines, improvised explosive devices and – increasingly – the innovative repurposing of consumer drones as weapons to target people and equipment. Learning about these latest twists in tactics, analysing those learnings and sharing them effectively amounts to a constant struggle, in NATO’s experience.

This event was followed on 22 November 2024 by an invited 2-hour lecture and workshop with the Brigadier-General, her senior leadership team and over 50 staff of the NATO Early Warning and Control Force HQ in Geilenkirchen, Germany. This NATO unit operates the vital forward monitoring for the security of Europe, operating in a fast-moving environment featuring many of the characteristics of ‘High Reliability Organisations’ familiar to business research.

The research shared by John and his colleague at these two impact events illuminated some of the systemic issues that arise from misaligned practices and institutional analytical processes that impair organisational learning. The presentations then outlined recommendations at both conceptual and practical levels, and these were validated in the ensuing discussions at both events. Planned publications are improved with this level of validation.

Figure 2. NATO EOD COE Commander’s Medal for Excellence, given to John in recognition for the presentation. Source: Project team

Figure 3. NATO NAEW&CF Deputy Commander’s Medallion presented to John for his contribution to the lecture & workshop

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