Hi all

I am growing increasingly concerned by the number of less than positive emails that come across my desk regarding the purchasing of training/learning activities. Granted there are training providers out there that do not deserve to win contracts based on the content of their applications. My attention however is being drawn to the apparent and possibly growing lack of knowledge and skills of the purchasers of training/learning activities in a number of instances. Anecdotal comment being sent to me suggests a number of shortcomings (in some circles) including one or more of the following:
lack of understanding of training in general
non existent needs analysis
poor writing skills
non existent or inconsistent selection process
vague business objectives
non existent evaluation model
poor management of contracts
delayed payments to contractors

Quite extensive but is this list complete (could there be more instances of poor practice)?

What expertise is required to be effective at purchasing training/learning activities other than the opposite of the above list??

And before I get tarred and feathered I am not suggesting that all purchasing is in such a poor state but I am concerned that it might be getting worse than it used to be (the suggested reasons I will keep to myself for the moment:)).

Responses offline to ed@trainerbase.co.uk if you so wish.

Peter

Peter Mayes
AKA Ed.
Founder/Editor of TrainerBase
www.trainerbase.co.uk
T: 01239 711544
F: 01239 711724

Peter Mayes