Tshumisano, the empowerment partner of JSE-listed CS Holdings Education Solutions division, was awarded the ongoing contract as the official Eskom accredited SAPICS training provider primarily due to its credibility. CS Education Solutions director Reuben Badana explained that Tshumisano means, "working together", which is why the partnership with Eskom works so well, confirming both companies share the same goal. Badana himself comes from a small, medium and micro enterprise (SMME) environment and is naturally in favour of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE).
Ishmael Nkwe, Learnership Manager, who heads Eskom`s commercial practitioner development department, commented, "The unit looks after the corporation`s commercial training (supply chain as opposed to financial education). The company is responsible for the development of 1,600 commercial practitioners, and with Eskom being committed to the SMME and BEE initiatives, the parastatal is dedicated to providing personal development for every one of its employees. Its aim is to provide 15 days of training per year per staff member in a bid to improve their personal development.
The commercial education, training and development (ETD) steering committee of Eskom, consists of representatives from all the groups within the parastatal who decide on training priorities and areas of concentration for the corporation as a whole. Badana is due to present the concept of e-supply chain (electronic supply chain) training to the ETD steering committee with a view to incorporating the concept into the existing training modules. E-supply chain will not be a separate entity, but an integral part of each of the other course sections.
The CPIM course consists of five modules, which Badana recommends should be completed within a year:
Basics of supply chain management
Execution and control of operations
Master planning of resources
Detailed planning, and
Strategic supply chain management.
Classes are either run at Midrand or at any other Eskom establishment countrywide. Courses at the Midrand training centre have been scheduled throughout 2001 and there is also a CPIM programme planned for East London in September. Badana says, "SAPICS training provides real solutions for developing the skills of employees across the private sector. Given the generally poor education standards that continues to impact on the South African business sector, SAPICS tuition plays a vital role in raising staff expertise and ensuring companies are industry-competitive. The courses cover a variety of topics geared towards raising expertise in all areas of supply chain management, from the most basic through to the most advanced industry skills.
Badana concluded, "Because SAPICS training is based on the international standards set by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS), those enrolling for lessons will be working towards an internationally recognised qualification. The programme combines best business practices with practical exposure as well as industry-specific workshops which assist learners in the application of knowledge."
SAPICS education also offers the certification in Integrated Resource Management (CIRM). This certification promotes growth as it presents a comprehensive understanding of a variety of business functions and how they interact in an organisation. The study emphasises the systems perspective, encompassing both the product and process life cycles. The field focuses on integrating organisational resources toward the effective realisation of organisational goals.
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