LOW COST BEIJING

Just as many of us around the world were preparing for the global economic crisis to settle in permanently, we seem to have experienced a reprieve. Despite the rays of light that are starting to come through the economic outlook, we are by no means out of the woods. Companies are still tightening their belts, and anything not related to short-term survival of the organization is being cut from budgets. Unfortunately, one of the key assets to help companies come out of the crisis with a brighter outlook is often one of those seen as expendable - personnel skill and knowledge. We look at why training is essential if Asian IT services and Asian network operations firms want to survive past the crisis.

It can sometimes seem that government leaders fail to understand the bottom-line realities of business, repeatedly calling for information technology consulting firms to leave training programs out of budget cuts. They fear that these short-term survival measures will ultimately cripple companies, and extend the crisis past necessity. It is true, the talent factor will be a key driver of eventual positive growth in the economy. So how do we balance Asian IT security and consulting firms' need for short-term and long-term survival?

The key is to ensure that any training dollars spent are directed in the most useful and productive areas. Training that is critical to business functions, such as management training as well as training in new developments for senior staff are essential to Asian network infrastructure and Asian information security firms. Most organizations find that optimal return for training dollars comes from role-based or function-based customized training programs, rather than broader programs. Blending online sessions with instructor-led classes also allows a good balance for different learning styles.

Identifying staff that would most benefit from training that is critical to business survival is the next step. Engaging a training consultancy to expertly identify those staff is wise. Measuring the gaps between desired and existing performance is critical. IT Consulting companies should have a goal for the training, otherwise effectiveness is impossible to measure.

Taking these steps, however, doesn't preclude your Asian IT services company from engaging in cheaper and more readily available forms of training. On-the-job training is often the most valuable, because skills specific to an employee's work environment are learned. Buying training books and allocating reading time is also an inexpensive option. Workshop ping the lessons ;learned from the books will only cost information technology consulting firms the working hours - When there are several employees that require training, bringing a trainer on-site is usually the most effective option - outside courses charge per head, while in-house trainers generally charge per hour.

Once training is completed, an effectiveness evaluation helps reassure the organization that the money spent was not wasted - and helps grow returns in the future!

Datacraft Asia is the leading independent IT Security Consulting Firm in Asia with expertise in networking. Find out more about network operations in Asia.

Article Source: It Services Asia - Maintaining A Skilled Workforce on Tight Training Budgets