This
month’s news.
Management
development works
The
quantity and quality of management training and development in UK organisations
has accelerated over the last 10 years, according to new research by the Institute
of Management.
Achieving
Management Excellence reports that training has risen by 18 per cent in larger
organisations and 25 per cent in smaller companies since the last IM study in
1996.
The
average is now six-and-a-half days in both larger and smaller organisations –
an increase from five and a half and five days respectively.
There
is also growing recognition of the value of a planned and co-ordinated approach
to training. Over half now have a written statement of management development –
up from 43 per cent in 1996.
The
study claims that the increased investment is paying off. Sixty per cent of
companies which give management training a high priority and have undertaken
more of it have also seen an increase in financial turnover compared with
others in their sector.
Public
embraces online learning
Communication
company Motorola’s latest annual British and Technology report suggests that
four-fifths of British Internet users are keen to improve their skills and
knowledge through online education.
If
they had access to a 24 hour virtual teacher, 45 per cent would like to study
for a professional qualification.
Added
duties for skills group
Education
and Employment Minister Malcolm Wicks has acted to strengthen the role of the
new Learning and Skills Council (LSC).
Amendments
have been introduced to the Learning and Skills Bill currently before
Parliament to give the LSC clear duties in developing workforce skills and
economic regeneration.
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Wicks
said, “The development of workforce skills and economic regeneration will be
central to the role of the LSC, and I have decided to make these
responsibilities explicit in primary legislation.
“I
know these changes have the backing of a wide range of organisations, including
the business sector.”
