Assessing requirements for developing your training capacity.

• Date: 01 October 1993
• Author: Abdel-Malek, Talaat
• Published date: 01 October 1993
• Author: Abdel-Malek, Talaat

A systematic review of an institution's foreign trade training capacity is a useful tool for improving the impact of its training activities.

To determine ways in which they can improve or expand their foreign trade training activities, or introduce new training services for the business community, organizations should analyze the type of training required and the resources they need to provide it most effectively. A useful tool for such an exercise is a training capacity "audit." The purpose of an assessment of this type is to review systematically the institution's existing training strategies and activities. Such an exercise is relevant for any organization providing in-career international business training, whether it is a training centre or another type of institution or grouping. The results of the review can help the organization to determine its training potential and the requirements for further developing its programme. If undertaken periodically the exercise can also be a means for systematically adapting the institution's training strategy to changing conditions in the business environment.

The training capacity assessment technique described here has been designed by ITC and tested in a number of developing countries. The approach can be adapted to different types of training institutions operating in varying business situations.

Purpose

The term "audit" is used in this context in a broader sense than that implied in accounting, which is limited to considering the past and current state of a given situation. A training assessment as discussed here also includes a look at the future of the training institution by examining its strengths, weaknesses and potential for capacity development.

The methodology can be applied to any aspect of training. The focus here is on its use in relation to in-career training in international business. Examples of situations in which this technique is of relevance are to determine how the performance of a national foreign trade training centre could be improved; assess the requirements for a new international business centre in a university; define the resources needed to introduce international business training at an established management training institute; and identify ways for a training centre to become self-sustaining. The methodology can also be applied to other entities providing training on a regular basis such as chambers of commerce, business associations, development finance agencies, banks and trade promotion agencies.

Desirable features

A well functioning training operation usually has most of the characteristics listed below. These points can therefore be kept in mind in the exercise to identify areas requiring further action:

* The training institution has a clear mandate and specific terms of reference, with a defined "market" niche.

* It pursues policies and practices consistent with its mandate.

* It is run by an experienced management committed to its goals and providing direction and support to its training activities.

* The management keeps itself informed of changes in its training environment and adapts its policies and programmes to these changes.

* The institution has a well defined clientele and maintains regular contact with it.

* It interacts regularly with the business community both as a client and a source of expertise and counsel.

* Its staff is trained, experienced and motivated.

* It has a balanced portfolio of training, research and consulting services

and is thus able to provide pre- and post-training assistance.

* It upholds professional standards in its training activities and monitors the quality of its services to ensure client satisfaction.

* It has a good support system in terms of premises, equipment, administrative services, and access to training materials and trade information.

* It has a well developed network of contacts with national and foreign institutions, enabling it to stay in touch with training...