The Warwick
Administrative
Management
Programme
PURPOSE
The objective of the programme is to enhance the management capability of
those in administrative, functional or commercial roles who manage other
people. The programme aims to develop the ability of participants to be
personally effective, to manage individuals and teams, and to influence
others.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The programme is aimed at administrators, including those in academic
departments, and those with managerial responsibilities in support and
commercial departments. It is also open to functional specialists (for instance,
in Personnel, Finance or IT) whose next career move is likely to involve
management responsibilities. It is not aimed at academic or research staff.
Participants are likely to be in grades six or seven.
Participation in the programme is voluntary. Participants need to be
nominated by the appropriate Senior Officer or Head of Academic
Department.
It is important that anyone attending the programme is open to learning new
ways of managing things, and is willing to engage fully in the various aspects
of the programme outlined below. In particular, participants are expected to
set aside the time needed to attend the workshops and action learning set
meetings.
KEY ELEMENTS OF THE PROGRAMME
The programme runs for nine months. It is designed for twenty one people,
who will meet between workshops in three action learning sets of seven. The
key elements of the programme are:
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(1) THREE WORKSHOPS
All participants will meet together on three occasions during the programme.
The workshops will be highly participative, using participants’ first hand
experiences. They will also provide an opportunity to interact with senior
people within the University.
The venue will be Scarman House or Radcliffe House. Timings will typically
be from 9.00 till 5.30 each day, and the workshops are non-residential.
The detailed design of the workshops will reflect consultation with a cross
section of participants and line managers.
Workshop one (one day)
The theme of the first workshop is to explore the key issues facing the
University. This provides the context in which participants operate. It is
intended that participants will have the opportunity to listen to and ask
questions of the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar, the Chair of an academic
department, and the University Secretary. Participants will also actively
consider what the messages from these speaker sessions mean for them and
their practice as an administrator or manager.
Workshop two (two days)
The second workshop is designed to help participants to enhance their
personal effectiveness. The themes explored during this workshop may
include:
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Time management and prioritising
Assertiveness
Influencing and managing upwards
Handling conflict
Stress management
Workshop three (two days)
The third workshop will invite participants to look closely at how they manage
people. The themes explored during this workshop may include:
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Managing performance
Leading teams
Coaching skills
Developing others, including feedback
Emotional intelligence
Managing change
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(2) ACTION LEARNING SETS
Each participant will take part in an action learning set with six other
colleagues on the programme. Each set will meet for a full day on four
occasions throughout the programme. The action learning set will have a
facilitator.
In action learning individuals are trying to solve real problems. Participants
offer each other a mix of support and challenge as each individual works
through a real issue they are facing.
The workshops and the action learning sets together provide an opportunity to
network with others and to offer mutual support to one another in carrying out
development plans or tackling current challenges.
(3) INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT DISCUSSIONS AND PLANS
Each participant is expected to create a meaningful personal development
plan through discussion with their line manager or head of department, and to
translate this plan into action.
(4) ASHRIDGE VIRTUAL LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE
All participants will have access to Ashridge Management College’s Virtual
Learning Resource Centre. This is an excellent facility which gives internet
access to a wide range of self study material covering a broad spectrum of
leadership and management skills.
INDICATIVE TIMETABLE FOR 2007
Call for nominations from Registrar
Closing date for nominations
mid January
end February
First workshop
Second workshop
Third workshop
April
July
October
Action learning set meetings
Four occasions between May
and November
Individual development discussions
Between first and second
workshops
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