Training and education as preparation for change in emergent situations

Organisational preparedness for disruption in times of rapid change and unpredictability is believed to improve organisations’ ability to absorb and adapt to that change. The unanticipated COVID-19 pandemic has exposed an underlying weakness in many individuals and organisations to positively respond to accelerated and highly unpredictable change in local and global scenarios.

There is an increased demand on managers to contend with numerous risks, which include changing technologies, globalisation and global supply chains, e-business, and crisis management, to name a few. To not merely survive, but thrive under such circumstances, workers will need to increasingly be skilled in a number of areas, which include problem-solving, self-management, working with people, and the use and development of technology (Future of Jobs Report, 2020, World Economic Forum). Upon closer inspection we find problem solving to include aspects such as analytical skills and innovation; the ability to solve complex problems; critical thinking and analysis; creativity, originality, and initiative; reasoning, problem-solving, and ideation.

In times like these, there is an increased need to have a comprehensive understanding of business, internal and external stakeholders, as well as what unique risks and disruptions might be faced by the company. Companies that possess the capability to continue going about their business are typically better equipped to deal with surprises, recover faster, and make better decisions.

Of the numerous approaches to managing emergent situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, training, and education of workers at all organisational levels is a prime example. By identifying and partnering with an accredited education institution, companies are better equipped to not only ensure business continuity, but also achieve business resilience. Whereas business continuity is mainly focused on the “capability of a business to continue the delivery of products or services at acceptable predefined levels, following a disruption” (ISO 22300:2018), business resilience is not only about surviving the challenge, but emerging stronger and more prosperous in an ever-changing and mostly volatile environment.

Open Learning Group (OLG) is an accredited education institution that has a proven record of partnering with companies in the Logistics and Supply Chain industry. Open Learning Group was established in 1997 as Private Higher Education Institution (PHEI) with qualifications that are delivered through an online mode of provisioning. Online learning makes it possible for working individuals with great career aspirations to obtain accredited qualifications in the growing field of logistics and supply chain management. The crisis resulting from the pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in online learning by adults, which is an area within which OLG excels. Compared to contact education, online learning offers flexibility for learning adults to study whenever they have free time, and regardless of their physical location.

OLG’s programme offering in the logistics and supply chain field includes both further education and training (FET) programmes, and higher education and training programmes (HET). OLG offers both higher education and training (HET) and further education and training (FET) programmes ranging from NQF Level 2 up to NQF Level 7. In partnering with organisations, Open Learning Group is thus able to deliver training and education solutions for every level of employee within an organisation. Students may, for instance, start with an NQF Level 2 learnership and work towards achieving an NQF Level 7 BBA degree.

The purpose of the BBA degree is to develop individuals with well-rounded managerial, professional, and industry-specific skills and competencies and knowledge that will equip them to identify, analyze, evaluate, critically reflect on, and solve complex problems. BBA graduates are equipped to fulfil management roles within logistics and supply chain organisations since they can provide theory-driven solutions to managerial problems. They are also able to communicate these decisions as well-formed arguments, using appropriate academic, professional, or occupational communication.

Open Learning Group is experienced in the provision of training and education solutions to organisations in the logistics and supply chain and related industries, which assists those companies in attaining increased levels of business resilience.