During tough economic times it may be tempting for organisations to regard staff training and development as an expensive luxury. Yet leaders of organisations that plan to prosper, let alone survive, know that training and development represents a vital investment not only to improve employee productivity but also to help attract and retain good staff.
At an individual level, in today’s fast-changing and unpredictable environment, it is understandable that managers may often focus on day-to-day issues instead of stepping back and evaluating their business from a wider perspective.
Lincoln University’s Executive Development Programme helps managers to develop a global perspective through an integrated programme of advanced management study that covers the key managerial disciples, along with a range of industry-specific papers that enable participants to build upon their particular skills and experience.
The programme is designed to be completed while remaining in full-time employment. Courses are studied part-time and are delivered off campus by way of comprehensive printed and electronic materials, augmented by periodic face-to-face facilitation sessions in the major centres of New Zealand.
An important feature of the programme is the opportunity participants have to interact with other managers from different industries and sectors at the facilitation sessions. This sharing of experiences and perspectives is regarded by our students as being extremely valuable - it not only enhances the learning but also provides useful networking opportunities.
Studying while holding down a full-time job, plus possibly having family and other commitments, requires dedication and focus and I am always mindful of the sacrifices many of our students make. However, it is precisely this sort of commitment and focus that employers are seeking today and I would recommend the Executive Development Programme to managers who wish to take their careers to the next level.
Ian MacDonald
Acting Manager - Executive Development Programme