3959 Courses

There are multiple steps and proven strategies that will help you write your Business Administration thesis impressively.

This foundational course will help all managers better understand what a procurement function does, including the processes, tools and techniques it employs to reach its goals and how it measures its business performance. PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN HOW TO: Explain the contribution of procurement to the overall business objectives. Explain the added value that can be obtained by a business when it manages its procurement activities efficiently and effectively. Understand the complex activity of procurement and the challenges it presents for risk management. Develop good quality procurement practices that will manage the expectations of all stakeholders Identify methods by which a procurement function can be measured and performance monitored. Perform contract management activities. Understand ways in which improvements might be identified and implemented. COURSE TOPICS INCLUDE: Procurement and business objectives Stakeholder Management Commercial Specifications Whole Life Costing Targeted procurement Procurement planning Supplier Appraisal and selection RFQ & ITT & Evaluation Contract Management

Looking for reliable and professional assignment help in Manchester? We offer expert assistance to students in need of academic support. Our services cover a wide range of subjects, ensuring every student gets the help they deserve. Whether it's essay writing, research papers, or detailed assignments, our experienced writers can deliver high-quality, plagiarism-free work on time. We understand the pressures of academic life and strive to make it easier for students to achieve their educational goals. Trust us for fast, affordable, and dependable assignment help in Manchester!

Any team member with Customer interaction (including internal) are the 'Ambassadors' of the company/organisation. If they project positive professionalism - they win others' confidence. If they appear or sound like they are in any way indifferent or unprofessional - they will cost sales and lose clients/customers. With this 2 day Training course, that will be tailored to your company/organisation, each person attending will upgrade their professional standards in people skills, telephone manner and email etiquette. No training in this area may well be a false economy as there is a much greater risk of disenfranchised customers and team members - and probably increases your competitors to win business at your expense. Professional customer care is all too frequently regarded as a token issue in most induction sessions for employees. Surprisingly it is very rarely considered as a key priority, despite being essential for ensuring customer commitment is secure and supplier/partnerships are robust. Excellent customer care is paramount in our ever increasingly competitive market and making customers feel valued and looked after is often a differentiator. This 2-day course will help you understand your customers and the vital importance of customer care in any organisation. You will gain the tools and techniques to apply your learning directly back into the workplace and deliver excellent customer care. Course Syllabus The syllabus of the Professional Customer Care course is comprised of four modules, covering the following: Module One What is Excellent Customer Care? Internal versus external customers Why customer care is important Meeting customer expectations Module Two Making a Personal Difference How do you measure customer care? Making a difference Taking ownership Positive mental attitude Displaying professionalism both face-to-face and over the telephone Using positive language Module Three Gathering Information and Offering Solutions Asking the right questions Active listening skills Summarising and clarifying skills Module Four Dealing with Difficult Situations How to give a 'service' no Demonstrating empathy Assertiveness techniques Handling a complaint Problem solving Saying 'sorry' Making realistic promises and keeping them Real Play Scenarios with a Professional Actor (Optional Extra) This programme benefits significantly from our innovative training feature: Real Play. Using a professional actor who performs role plays as different customer characters in carefully devised situations, the delegates have the opportunity to 'pause' the role play to coach and control their character to improve their skill sets and practice the theory delivered. These scenarios can deal with difficult situations and enacting options to ensure good customer relations are intact. The outcome of the scenario is the responsibility of the delegates, not the trainer and actor. The actor will remain in character throughout the de-brief in order to bring to life the impact and possible next steps. Objectives By the end of the course participants will be able to Adopt a professional telephone manner Communicate assertively by taking control and directing the conversation Deliver information positively by offering options and alternatives Develop a range of versatile behaviours to use when dealing with difficult situations by: Listening actively Using empathy Gathering relevant information through effective questioning Finding solutions to concerns/problems quickly and efficiently Speaking positively and assertively What Is The Benefit? For individuals this course will increase confidence and ability to deal with customers in all situations, which will in turn create customer loyalty and raise their profile. For an employer, ensuring that all customer facing employees are demonstrating excellent customer care instils confidence in the customers and promotes a positive image of the company. In-House Courses Every single team member or employee that has a role which involves engaging with a customer, client and/or a key partner/supplier has a responsibility for projecting a positive image of the organisation which they represent. That may sound obvious, but how many hundreds of experiences have you had as a customer where you were treated with indifference and a distinct lack of professionalism by the receptionist, the retail assistant, the tele-agent, the delivery person, the credit controller or the departmental manager of the operation that you were dealing with? Far too many to count? This is because professional customer care is regarded as a token issue in most induction sessions for employees - and it is very rarely considered as a key priority to ensure customer commitment is secure and supplier/partnerships are robust. Yet the hugely expensive churn in customer/client commitments and staff is enormously expensive and immensely disruptive to any organisation. The Importance of Customers and Clients Every client/customer engaging person needs to recognise that it is ultimately the client or customer that pays their wages. If they gain a basic understanding of the clients' motivations and behaviours, coupled with some core skills in how to care for them, they will attain the status of 'professional'. This will very quickly translate into increased revenues, retained loyalty, high commitment and far greater security for all parties. The foundation has to be based on the authentic commitment to both the customer and also to the organisation they work for. Disenfranchisement readily curdles into sloppy behaviours cloaked in unprofessional attitudes and demeanours; plenty there to repel the most loyal of customers. If your company or organisation relies on repeat business and retaining the confidence and commitment of your clients, then all of your team members - perhaps including managers who set the example and have the biggest influence on the where the needle points to in relation to professionalism - need to be trained on the core basics of professional customer care. Customer Care Programmes from Dickson Training Ltd We are delighted to boast about the many successes we have had in providing effective and long lasting improvements for many clients, where awards have been won and, more importantly, talent has been retained because their clients and customers keep on coming back. Professional customer care extends to suppliers and partners that you value and need to get the best service and rates from, as well as any 'internal clients' such as other departments where you need to rely on their support and collaboration in order to achieve your goals. It is amazing what effective professional customer care training can do for any organisation. Without it your organisation may be vulnerable, with it you are much more likely to see increased performances and much greater security and growth. Scheduled Courses Unfortunately this course is not one that is currently scheduled as an open course, and is only available on an in-house basis. Please contact us for more information.

Course Duration: 1–2 days (or modular format across 3–4 sessions) Target Audience: Managers, team leaders, HR professionals, and anyone responsible for leading or being part of a high-performance team. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the key characteristics of high-performing teams. Apply strategies to build trust, collaboration, and accountability. Leverage diversity and strengths within the team. Align team goals with organisational objectives. Overcome challenges and navigate through conflict. Measure and sustain high performance over time. Course Outline Module 1: The Foundations of High-Performing Teams What defines a high-performing team? The stages of team development (Tuckman Model: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, Adjourning) Key traits of successful teams (trust, collaboration, accountability) The importance of team culture and values Module 2: Team Roles and Dynamics Understanding team roles (e.g., Belbin’s Team Roles, Gallup’s StrengthsFinder) Building diverse teams with complementary skills Encouraging collaboration over competition Strategies for integrating different personalities and work styles Module 3: Leadership for High Performance The role of a leader in high-performing teams Transformational leadership vs transactional leadership Delegation and empowering team members Creating a vision and setting clear expectations Module 4: Building Trust and Effective Communication The role of trust in team performance Building rapport and psychological safety Developing active listening and feedback skills Encouraging open, honest, and transparent communication Module 5: Goal Setting and Alignment The SMART goal framework for teams Aligning team goals with organisational strategy Prioritising and tracking team performance Creating individual and team accountability Module 6: Conflict Management and Problem Solving Understanding and addressing team conflict Strategies for resolving disagreements and promoting collaboration Facilitating difficult conversations Problem-solving techniques and decision-making processes Module 7: Motivation, Recognition, and Sustaining Performance Motivating team members and recognising achievements Building a culture of continuous improvement Measuring team performance (KPIs, feedback loops, 360-degree reviews) Keeping momentum in long-term projects Module 8: Measuring Success and Continuously Improving Tools for measuring team effectiveness (e.g., surveys, team assessments) Adjusting processes and practices to ensure continuous high performance Developing a personal and team action plan for ongoing growth Creating a feedback loop for long-term success Delivery Style Interactive discussions and team exercises Group activities, role-playing, and case studies Practical tools and frameworks for immediate application Peer feedback and group coaching Course Materials Provided Participant workbook with key concepts, templates, and worksheets Team development toolkits (e.g., team assessment forms, feedback templates) Leadership and team-building resources for further learning Personal action plan template for team growth Optional Add-ons Personalised team assessment and tailored development plan Ongoing coaching sessions for team leaders Facilitated team-building activities for real-world application Post-course team performance follow-up and support

Course Duration: 1–2 days (or modular format across 3–4 sessions) Target Audience: Managers, team leaders, HR professionals, and anyone responsible for leading or being part of a high-performance team. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the key characteristics of high-performing teams. Apply strategies to build trust, collaboration, and accountability. Leverage diversity and strengths within the team. Align team goals with organisational objectives. Overcome challenges and navigate through conflict. Measure and sustain high performance over time. Course Outline Module 1: The Foundations of High-Performing Teams What defines a high-performing team? The stages of team development (Tuckman Model: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, Adjourning) Key traits of successful teams (trust, collaboration, accountability) The importance of team culture and values Module 2: Team Roles and Dynamics Understanding team roles (e.g., Belbin’s Team Roles, Gallup’s StrengthsFinder) Building diverse teams with complementary skills Encouraging collaboration over competition Strategies for integrating different personalities and work styles Module 3: Leadership for High Performance The role of a leader in high-performing teams Transformational leadership vs transactional leadership Delegation and empowering team members Creating a vision and setting clear expectations Module 4: Building Trust and Effective Communication The role of trust in team performance Building rapport and psychological safety Developing active listening and feedback skills Encouraging open, honest, and transparent communication Module 5: Goal Setting and Alignment The SMART goal framework for teams Aligning team goals with organisational strategy Prioritising and tracking team performance Creating individual and team accountability Module 6: Conflict Management and Problem Solving Understanding and addressing team conflict Strategies for resolving disagreements and promoting collaboration Facilitating difficult conversations Problem-solving techniques and decision-making processes Module 7: Motivation, Recognition, and Sustaining Performance Motivating team members and recognising achievements Building a culture of continuous improvement Measuring team performance (KPIs, feedback loops, 360-degree reviews) Keeping momentum in long-term projects Module 8: Measuring Success and Continuously Improving Tools for measuring team effectiveness (e.g., surveys, team assessments) Adjusting processes and practices to ensure continuous high performance Developing a personal and team action plan for ongoing growth Creating a feedback loop for long-term success Delivery Style Interactive discussions and team exercises Group activities, role-playing, and case studies Practical tools and frameworks for immediate application Peer feedback and group coaching Course Materials Provided Participant workbook with key concepts, templates, and worksheets Team development toolkits (e.g., team assessment forms, feedback templates) Leadership and team-building resources for further learning Personal action plan template for team growth Optional Add-ons Personalised team assessment and tailored development plan Ongoing coaching sessions for team leaders Facilitated team-building activities for real-world application Post-course team performance follow-up and support

Starting a small business can be a rewarding journey, but it requires careful planning and the right strategies to succeed. From creating a solid business plan to organizing finances and finding the right support, this guide will help you establish a foundation for a thriving business. For entrepreneurs in Calgary, key resources like reliable bookkeeping services can make a significant difference. Here’s how to start a small business and set it up for lasting success. Developing a business plan A clear, well-researched business plan serves as a roadmap for your business. It outlines your goals, target market, competitive advantage, and financial projections. This plan will also help attract investors or secure loans. To create an effective business plan: Define your mission and vision: Explain why your business exists and what you aim to achieve. Identify your target audience: Determine who your customers are and what problems your business will solve for them. Analyze competitors: Study your competitors to understand what they offer and find ways to differentiate your business. Set realistic financial projections: Estimate costs, revenue, and profits. This will give potential investors confidence in your business. Choosing a business structure Selecting the right business structure is essential, as it affects your taxes, liability, and daily operations. Common options include: Sole proprietorship: Simple to set up, with minimal paperwork, but offers no separation of personal and business liability. Partnership: Ideal for two or more owners, allowing shared responsibilities, but partners share liabilities. Corporation: Provides liability protection, but involves more paperwork and regulatory requirements. LLC (Limited Liability Company): Offers liability protection without the complexity of a corporation. Choose a structure that best suits your needs, and consult a legal professional to ensure compliance with Calgary’s business regulations. Securing funding Most small businesses require some level of funding to get started. Consider various financing options to find the best fit: Personal savings or family support: Often the first source of funding for many entrepreneurs. Business loans: Many banks offer small business loans with varying interest rates. Grants and government programs: Explore government grants and programs specifically designed to support small businesses in Calgary. Angel investors or venture capital: For businesses with high growth potential, attracting investors may be an option. Registering your business To operate legally, you’ll need to register your business. This process involves choosing a unique name, filing the necessary documents, and obtaining a business license in Calgary. You may also need specific permits depending on your industry. Completing these steps ensures that your business complies with all local regulations. Organizing your finances Managing finances effectively is crucial for any small business. Accurate bookkeeping keeps your business organized, tracks income and expenses, and prepares you for tax season. Many small businesses in Calgary choose to hire a bookkeeper in Calgary to handle these responsibilities, allowing owners to focus on growth. Working with one of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can provide: Accurate financial records: Professional bookkeepers help maintain up-to-date records, which is essential for financial health. Compliance with tax laws: Calgary’s best bookkeeping services are familiar with local tax regulations, ensuring that you file correctly and on time. Insights for decision-making: With accurate records, you can make informed decisions on budgeting, spending, and investments. Creating a strong brand identity Building a brand that resonates with your target audience is essential. Your brand identity includes your business name, logo, colors, and messaging, as well as the experience you offer customers. Developing a consistent brand identity sets you apart from competitors and builds trust with customers. Here are some steps to create a strong brand identity: Design a logo and visual theme: Choose a professional logo, color scheme, and design elements that reflect your brand’s personality. Develop a unique brand voice: Whether it’s friendly, professional, or playful, keep your brand voice consistent in all communications. Focus on customer experience: Aim to provide exceptional service that keeps customers coming back and sharing their positive experiences. Building an online presence In today’s digital world, an online presence is crucial for reaching potential customers. Start by creating a professional website where customers can learn more about your products or services. Next, consider establishing a presence on social media platforms that suit your audience. Key components of a strong online presence include: User-friendly website: Make sure your website is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and includes essential information about your business. Social media profiles: Engage with customers and share updates on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Google My Business: Setting up a Google My Business profile helps customers in Calgary find you more easily. Building a support network Running a small business can be challenging, and having a network of support is invaluable. Surround yourself with people who can provide advice, resources, and encouragement. Consider these ways to build a support network: Join local business associations: Groups like the Calgary Chamber of Commerce offer networking opportunities, resources, and workshops. Seek mentorship: Experienced business owners can offer guidance and insights that help you avoid common pitfalls. Hire professionals for specialized tasks: For financial and legal matters, work with professionals like accountants, lawyers, and bookkeepers. Tracking progress and making adjustments As your business grows, it’s essential to review your progress and adjust your strategies. Regularly assessing financial performance, customer feedback, and market trends can help you refine your approach and stay competitive. Working with one of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can make tracking your financial performance much easier, giving you insight into profit margins, cash flow, and budgeting. Consider these strategies for tracking progress: Set measurable goals: Establish specific goals for growth, such as revenue targets or customer acquisition numbers. Analyze performance data: Use financial statements, sales reports, and customer feedback to assess performance. Stay flexible: Be willing to make changes to products, services, or marketing strategies if they aren’t meeting customer needs. Conclusion Starting a small business takes effort, planning, and ongoing management. By creating a solid business plan, organizing your finances, and developing a strong brand, you can set your business up for success. In Calgary, many new business owners choose to hire a bookkeeper in Calgary to ensure accurate financial management and stay compliant with local regulations. Taking advantage of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can free up your time, allowing you to focus on growing your business and achieving long-term success. With dedication and the right strategies, your small business can thrive in today’s competitive market.

In this comprehensive blog post, we explore Driscoll's model of reflection, a powerful tool for enhancing personal and professional development. Learn about the three simple yet profound questions at the heart of the model, its benefits, and why Driscoll's model of reflection is good for anyone looking to improve their reflective practice.

Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Differentiate between coaching and mentoring and understand their unique purposes. Apply effective communication and active listening skills in developmental conversations. Use coaching models to guide structured conversations. Build trust and psychological safety in coaching and mentoring relationships. Create actionable development plans and track progress. Understand ethical boundaries and confidentiality. Course Outline Day 1: Foundations of Coaching and Mentoring Session 1: Introduction and Context What is coaching? What is mentoring? Key differences and when to use each Benefits to individuals and organisations Session 2: Core Skills for Effective Coaching and Mentoring Active listening Powerful questioning Giving and receiving feedback Empathy and emotional intelligence Session 3: Building Trust and Creating Psychological Safety Establishing rapport Confidentiality and ethical guidelines Setting boundaries and expectations Session 4: Coaching Models and Frameworks GROW Model (Goal, Reality, Options, Will) OSKAR and CLEAR frameworks Practical application and role play Day 2: Practising and Embedding Coaching and Mentoring Session 5: The Coaching and Mentoring Conversation Structuring conversations Using real-life workplace examples Practice with feedback Session 6: Setting Goals and Development Plans SMART and CLEAR goal setting Creating growth-focused action plans Monitoring progress and accountability Session 7: Mentoring for Career and Leadership Development Mentor roles and responsibilities Supporting long-term growth and resilience Reverse mentoring and cross-generational partnerships Session 8: Embedding a Coaching and Mentoring Culture How to support coaching within your team or organisation Integrating into performance conversations Sustaining development through peer coaching and communities of practice Assessment and Evaluation Participation in discussions and practical activities Feedback on peer coaching/mentoring exercises Optional personal development plan submission Course Materials Provided Participant workbook Coaching and mentoring toolkit (templates, models, guides) Suggested reading and resource list

Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Differentiate between coaching and mentoring and understand their unique purposes. Apply effective communication and active listening skills in developmental conversations. Use coaching models to guide structured conversations. Build trust and psychological safety in coaching and mentoring relationships. Create actionable development plans and track progress. Understand ethical boundaries and confidentiality. Course Outline Day 1: Foundations of Coaching and Mentoring Session 1: Introduction and Context What is coaching? What is mentoring? Key differences and when to use each Benefits to individuals and organisations Session 2: Core Skills for Effective Coaching and Mentoring Active listening Powerful questioning Giving and receiving feedback Empathy and emotional intelligence Session 3: Building Trust and Creating Psychological Safety Establishing rapport Confidentiality and ethical guidelines Setting boundaries and expectations Session 4: Coaching Models and Frameworks GROW Model (Goal, Reality, Options, Will) OSKAR and CLEAR frameworks Practical application and role play Day 2: Practising and Embedding Coaching and Mentoring Session 5: The Coaching and Mentoring Conversation Structuring conversations Using real-life workplace examples Practice with feedback Session 6: Setting Goals and Development Plans SMART and CLEAR goal setting Creating growth-focused action plans Monitoring progress and accountability Session 7: Mentoring for Career and Leadership Development Mentor roles and responsibilities Supporting long-term growth and resilience Reverse mentoring and cross-generational partnerships Session 8: Embedding a Coaching and Mentoring Culture How to support coaching within your team or organisation Integrating into performance conversations Sustaining development through peer coaching and communities of practice Assessment and Evaluation Participation in discussions and practical activities Feedback on peer coaching/mentoring exercises Optional personal development plan submission Course Materials Provided Participant workbook Coaching and mentoring toolkit (templates, models, guides) Suggested reading and resource list