Embedding the knowledge
Executive Education programmes must improve both delegate and organizational performance. Otherwise, what is their point? Yet, many Executive Education programmes can be seen as box ticking exercises with attendance frequently seen as more important than results.
At Bradford University School of Management we are passionate about ensuring that the knowledge we impart can be practically embedded and applied. To this end we not only work with delegates but also with their sponsors and line managers.
Whilst exact embedding processes differ from client to client and programme to programme, there are certain commonalities which demonstrate and underpin our philosophy of knowledge embedding:
Delegates
- Are briefed at the start of each module/programme as to its objectives and, importantly, their responsibilities
- Towards the end of each course, delegates are encouraged to set themselves a 10 point Personal Action Plan which outlines what they intend to do/change as a result of the course.
- Are given a further Action Plan, developed by the tutor and focused on the needs/course experiences of the specific group
- Are briefed on when/how to review their course notes
- Are encouraged to meet with their line managers and work together to plan how to apply and effectively share their learning
- On customised programmes, delegates take part in a formal review after an agreed period once the programme has been completed.
Line managers
- Are briefed prior to the commencement of the programme on its objectives and why it has been commissioned and why it is departmentally relevant
- Attend a briefing session outlining their responsibilities towards their reports attending the programme. This includes making time for the delegate both before and after each course, giving the delegate time to reflect on the learning and helping to develop subsequent in department action plans
- Are sent course outlines prior to each course as a reminder of the need to engage with the reporting delegate prior to the course
- Are encouraged to be positive. Delegates might return with new perspectives - use them!
Return On Investment
We encourage a qualitative approach to ROI, as outlined above. Buy-in and commitment are the key starting points to positive and practical application of learning.
execed@bradford.ac.uk