OCCUPATIONAL ANALYSIS OF COAST GUARD OFFICERS USING THE DACUM METHOD: A MULTI-STAGE MIXED METHODS STUDY

Abstract

Occupational analysis is a cornerstone of understanding job tasks, required skills, and performance appraisal. Despiteits significance in workforce development, the Coast Guard does not have a structured, research-based method ofconducting occupational analysis. This study applies the Developing A Curriculum (DACUM) methodology, a widely

recognized competency-based approach, to examine Coast Guard officers' duties, responsibilities, and competency levels.

A multi-stage mixed methods design was employed, integrating qualitative and quantitative research. The DACUM analysis was conducted with 24 Coast Guard officers across four regional commands and yielded 10 core duties and 119 tasks identified as core to operational effectiveness. For validation, a standardized questionnaire was administered to 217 officers, monitoring the level of duty accomplishment and uncovering competency gap and training trend trends. In addition, focus group interviews provided further understanding of the challenges and attitudes of the officers regarding their changing roles.

The findings indicate that the task performance levels were acceptable in all scenarios, which shows that Coast Guard officers are professionally qualified. However, logistical limitations, shifting security threats, and workload among personnel issues were experienced. The study confirms that DACUM is aviable occupational analysis instrument with an orderly method for Coast Guard staffing, training, and performance measurement. The findings serve as a manual for policymakers, including human resource development plans, competency-based training programs, and enhancing operating effectiveness.