GPM428-Operational Command

Task:

In this paper, using an analysis of the commanders in the Thredbo and Pike River incidents, you are required to present your own hypothesis on the prerequisite skills and attributes of an effective operational commander. Your paper is to be arranged as follows:

1. Introduce your paper and provide a synopsis of each event 

2. Identify and critically analyse the key command roles in each event 

3. Comment on the key command decisions of each event and then compare and contrast hese between the event with reference to the literature on leadership, command, communication and pycho-physiological limitations from this subject, complimented by your own additional research.

4.Explain and prove, through your reading, your own hypothesis on the prerequisite skills and attributes of an effective operational commander. . While the hypothesis is your own, you will need to support and justify your position with reference to the broader literature and, if possible, 'real world' experience.

5. Conclusion and recommendations. Given your hypothesis, provide 3 recommendations, with supporting rationale, which would maximise the effectiveness of operational command in your (or a nominated) agency. You should also include a brief plan to explain how the recommendations would be implemented.

Task-2

This assessment tasks consists of 2 steps:

1. Write an Opinion Piece [refer to details below] – submit via EASTS by the due date

2. Post the Abstract of your Opinion Piece (just Copy and Paste) on the Discussion Board named ‘Assessment 2 Abstracts’ on the same day that the Opinion Piece is due. (You will be using these Abstracts from other students in Assessment 3 which requires you to incorporate and critically analyse at least ONE of the Abstracts posted on the Discussion Board)

Opinion Piece - Assessment item 2 requires you to submit a opinion piece of 2500 words maximum. Based on your research for Assessment 1 together with your additional reading related to Operation Katrina (New Orleans) and the Christchurch Earthquakes in New Zealand, your submission must address one of the following questions:

1. Describe and justify your own hypothesis on the prerequisite planning and preparation of all agencies involved before dealing with a disaster. While the hypothesis is your own, you will need to support and justify your position with reference to the broader literature, describing how any collaborative style of command sits with the principle of overall command (Who's in Charge?). You should refer to Operation Katrina and the New Zealand Earthquakes in your deliberations.

Or

2. The environment in which a Commander has to operate will vary depending on a number of internal and external influences. Though not necessarily exclusive, these may include;

• The political implications of the event and the political environment in which it has taken place;

• The community expectations and social impact;

• The resource capability and availability, including the economic environment at the time;

• The relationships, both individual and organisational, between all affected agencies;

• The legal implications of the command decisions they make and the duty of care around human rights and occupational health risks.

Discuss these issues when expressing your opinions in the context of Operation Katrina and the New Zealand Earthquakes. 

Or

3. Whilst it is accepted that the training provided for Operational Commanders must be relevant to their role, how important is ‘Emotional Intelligence’ and can it be enhanced through training? Relate to the Commanders for Operation Katrina and the New Zealand Earthquakes when expressing your opinions.