Case Study: Enhancing Data Analytics

The intent of the Chief Data Office (CDO) that KBR supports at Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) School of Systems and Logistics is to determine the data analytics needs across the Air Force and establish curriculum focused on accomplishing the Air Force’s mission. Based on the CDO’s Data Strategy Essential Capability #4: “Build and Foster the Talent and Culture Needed to Evolve the Air Force to a Data-Driven Organization”, specifically in the areas of workforce professional development, LS needed and KBR provided critical cutting-edge data analytics course solutions to address the mission of enhancing the Air Force culture of data analytics. In approaching the task set by AFIT, KBR quantified the Air Force educational needs gap in data analytics education through an Enterprise survey delivered to the CDO. In support of the CDO’s initiatives, KBR provided, and continues to provide, just-in-time data science and data analytics education to the Air Force Enterprise via online workshops and in-person training at various Air Force bases. Concurrently, KBR developed courseware and integrated the appropriate Bodies of Knowledge into the developmental efforts. Additionally, development began on a software tool to assist course developers with publishing original content into the Canvas Learning Management System used by Air University. An early version is currently in use designing new introductory data science courses. Further, follow up courses are being provided to expand the data analytics knowledge base available to the Air Force Enterprise. These courses greatly expound upon the information provided in the just-in-time education. The resulting courses have elevated data awareness and analytical appreciation for data science by Air Force Airmen. Subsequently, AFIT Professional Continuing Education in data analytics courses are in high demand and lauded for their focus and immediate applicability in the workspace. KBR has delivered these tailored, live and distance-learning courses to more than 600 Airmen and is having a profound, positive impact on our modern AF workforces’ ability to make better data-driven decisions.