The global concept of a successful and competent manager is constantly changing and Management Courses reflect this today. Today’s corporate world requires a manager to do more than manage. Employers look for a reflective and inspirational motivator; a leader who will inspire others to achieve shared company goals. In a rapidly changing economy, managers are also expected to be highly creative – to think outside the box! Of course, traditionally speaking, being creative belonged in the domain of an artist. Today, managers are expected to have the ability to think creatively on top of having the necessary analytical skills and decision making skills. Contemporary Courses therefore try to develop and promote soft skills like team-work and socialability along with the necessary hard core ones. A good manager must be excellent at managing people as well as managing activities.
Whether you are a manager of a large company or managing your own business, essential management skills can be learnt, refreshed, or up-dated; thanks to a number of different colleges and course providers. You can even choose to participate in a one-day training course in a particular area you feel you need guidance or information on.
The College of Management and IT (CMIT) offer a FETAC accredited distance learning course that equips Managers (and those new to Management) with comprehensive skills to improve their organisational and people management abilities.
Students will learn how to:
• Organise company structures/teams
• Complete internal and external organisation reviews
• Effectively lead and manage staff
• Manage their time more effectively
• Learn how to be more organised as Managers.
The course is designed for those working in Large Companies, SMEs or the Public Sector.
Procad Training offer a Supervisory Management Skills course, which is run over two days. This is a course designed for those who are responsible for managing others within an organisation, from managers to supervisors. Participants study a number of topics including ‘Motivation’ and ‘Coaching others’.
The Communications and Management Institute (CMI) run an advanced Diploma in Management. They focus on effective management for the individual participating in the course according to their style.
Griffin College offer a number of specific occupational training courses which focus on topical and relevant issues in the work place. An example of one of these courses is ‘Conflict Handling and Resolution Skills’. This course recognises that if an organisation is to thrive, it must be able to handle conflict. Upon completion of the course, participants should understand the stages of conflict and gain knowledge and the skills necessary to put resolutions into place. They also offer courses relating to interviewing, managing stress and developing and sustaining vision, amongst others.
U Learning offer a postgraduate specialist Diploma in Innovative Management. This course provides carefully tailored learning, which will ensure individuals are innovation focused, leading to the development of an entrepreneurial culture within their organisation. This course is targeted towards mid to upper level managers. It would also benefit those entering into enterprise also.
The Institute of Public Administration offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management. It is a one year part-time programme that analyses public management issues. This programme is suitable for anybody working in the public sector. This course is accredited by the National University of Ireland.
The Institute of Technology in Carlow offer a Bachelor of Business (honours) in management. This is a full-time four year course providing an academic qualification for those interested in a career in business and management. Its general nature provides students with a broad skill-base that will ensure that the graduate has a wide range of potential job opportunities.
There is no shortage of courses if this is the area you want to excel in or start a career in. It is important to remember that most career areas require a certain level of management ability, whether it is self-management or managing others. Undertaking a management course only serves to improve your employability or productivity.
Remember, good managers are essential to any successful organisation. An exceptionally good manager achieves a hard working, productive and effective workforce that punches above its weight in its performance. A reflective and creative manager is a skilful manager who is constantly looking for ways to not just improve productivity from staff, but one who seeks to acquire new knowledge, so that decisions made are informed ones, and issues are handled with credibility.
Therefore, whatever management course you choose to participate in, ensure that the course content and philosophy reflects changing trends and ensures that you will be a competent manager on completion.
