Dubai, 22 February 2010:  Although the fiscal catastrophe (we're so bored with the term 'financial crisis') has hung as a sword of Damocles over businesses worldwide, and global stock call-backs are threatening the reputation stability of many a motoring giant, the jury is still out on the training platform.  And it seems that a win-vote is promising.

Yes, the trimming of training budgets is sure to continue, but confidence in training and development is not dead.

Skills development faired strongly in the recent Chartered Management Institute's Economic Outlook (October 2009) survey, which provides insight to the UK's business-sector expectations.  Results indicated that 82 percent of the respondents, who comprised managers in all sectors, remain convinced that fiscal support for the investment of skills should be a government priority.  Enthusiasm for this policy was strong in all sectors - public, private or non-profit.

This positive outlook was in contrast to the bleak recruitment prospects and saw suggestions to the way forward listing that government reinforce British management's commitment to the investment in skills.  The message was clear:  "Everything possible must be done to protect investment in skills".

Easier said than done?

While raising the call to train, train, and train again is definitely a move in the right direction, limited time and financial resources for those keen on brushing up on industry-relevant skills are also a reality.  The question begs; should this be where the private and government business sectors step up?

Commenting on training in economic downturns, the non-profit research and development body, The City & Guilds Centre for Skills Development, stated recently that although the common perception is that businesses cut training budgets during tough times, the overall proportion of employees receiving training widely remains unchanged.  A decrease stays largely in line with the drop in levels of employment.  In addition, the report said that:

"Business organisations with more strategic remit may also express greater appreciation of the need for continued investment in training during a downturn, given their interests in the wider health of the economy rather than a focus on specific profit objectives."

So what do prospective students and businesses keen on protecting their intellectual power look to? Professional, accredited and industry-relevant training are top-of-the-list, according to a Dubai-based training specialist and consultant.

"Higher education and training can either make your career or break your livelihood," says James Norbury, project management lecturer and consultant of the Specialised Management Group.  "Companies and individuals looking to improve their skills or increase earning potential should research their businesses and the respective market requirements carefully.  Then select training that will enhance both personal skills and the management of business and projects."

James suggests that time-focused training (especially for professionals with schedule restrictions) which provides simultaneously the benefits and principals of project management are excellent. Courses in presentation, facilitation and conflict management, time and business management, project or process management, and customer-relationship management are ideal.

"A course in project management for example, is highly advantageous for individuals across most sectors.  This is because it will equip you to strategise in a logical manner and apply this strategy to any situation, be it running a construction project or planning a wedding" he said.

James advises people of all industries and management structures to take up additional training methods and classes but said to be sure to look to professional organisations that offer internationally certified training which was not only user-friendly but relevant and globally recognised.

"Often people try to indulge in 'quick-fix' solutions that simply present more questions than answers."

Basic guide to meaningful skills-improvement:

  • Ensure the organisation presenting your training is professionally certified and accredited.  An example of an international accreditation body is the Project Management Institute (PMI®).

  • Ask about follow up! Beware of training organisations that adopt a 'take the money and run' attitude.  Where courses include examinations, don't be afraid to ask your trainers or training consultants if they offer assistance in exam verification and registration, course preparations etc.  Also, find out if they are willing (and able) to keep you updated on future training opportunities that would suit your industry.

  • What size are the course classes.  This may seem like an odd point but courses packed with more than 20 people result in lecturers allowing less time for personal interaction with students. 

  • Does industry at large understand and accept the qualification offered by the training organisation in question?  In other words, does your course matter in the business world?  It is important to establish beforehand whether you will be doing a basic self-help training exercise or a recognized training module. 

    For example: Professionals wanting a recognized qualification in project management will need to pass an exam overseen by a globally recognized body such as the PMI®.  To be eligible for this exam, you first require a certain amount of credits called Professional Development Units.  An accredited Project Management Professional (PMP®) course allows for this. You will only receive these credits through training with a certified training provider. 

    So despite wary spenders and cost cutting, the value of skills development and training has not been fully discarded with the fat trimmed off companies' budgets.  People are, however, carefully counting Dirhams to ensure value for money.  So, where training is concerned, the words "quality" and "internationally certified" have been written right at the top of trainers' flip-charts. 

    To find out more about professional project and process management training, contact Specialised Management Group at info@smg-me.com.

    Source acknowledgements:

    Chartered Management Institute, Economic Outlook, October 2009, www.managers.org.uk

    The City & Guilds Centre for Skills Development, Training in Economic Downturns, March 2009, www.skillsdevelopment.org

    -Ends-

    About SMG
    Specialised Management Group (SMG) is a dynamic management solutions consulting firm specialising in global project and process management consulting and training. They leverage experience and best of breed project management practices, processes and methodologies, to help clients achieve project management objectives and gain competence and capability in the process.

    For more information or interviews please contact Specialised Management Group
    Tel:  +971 4 369 3453
    Fax:  +971 4 360 4467
    Email: info@smg-me.com
    Website: www.smg-me.com

    • © Press Release 2010