Training Needs Analysis of West African MDIs
The WAMDEVIN Network conducted a comprehensive Training Needs Analysis of Management Development Institutes (MDIs) across West Africa in 2017. The general objective of this pioneering study was to investigate the problems associated with skills gaps prevalent amongst faculty staff of MDIs in the West African Sub-region.
Research Methodology & Scope
All seventeen (17) MDIs across the West African region were contacted for questionnaire administration. However, nine (9) institutions successfully completed and returned the comprehensive questionnaire, providing valuable insights into training gaps and development needs.
MDIs Contacted
Responses Received
Key Findings
The study revealed several critical challenges affecting faculty development across West African MDIs:
- Uncoordinated Training Programmes: Lack of systematic coordination in training initiatives across institutions
- Limited International Exposure: Inadequate exposure to international training opportunities for faculty staff
- Outdated Training Content: Inadequate exposure to current issues in training and development practices
Strategic Recommendations
To address these critical concerns, the study recommended that MDIs should expose their faculty staff to comprehensive training in the following priority areas:
Case Writing & Publication
Research Methodology
Data Processing
Assessment of WAMDEVIN Online Training Programme Impact
The WAMDEVIN Secretariat recently concluded a comprehensive research on the Assessment of the Impact of WAMDEVIN Online Training Programme on Faculty Staff of MDIs in West Africa. This timely study emerged from the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2019.
COVID-19 Context & Impact
The global COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for educational institutions worldwide. Organizations faced significant disruptions with some companies experiencing up to 75% revenue losses in a single quarter. Government-imposed restrictions on public gatherings severely disrupted traditional classroom-based training activities of MDIs, necessitating a rapid shift to online training delivery.
Research Objectives
The study was designed to achieve two primary objectives:
Performance Impact Assessment
Determine the extent to which WAMDEVIN online training affected faculty staff performance
Digital Skills Enhancement
Assess how online training enhanced digital skills of MDI faculty staff
Research Methodology & Data Collection
The study employed a robust methodology using primary data collection through comprehensive questionnaires. Due to geographical distribution, online data collection methods were adopted to reach all WAMDEVIN member institutions effectively.
Total Respondents
Member Institutions
Analysis Methods
Descriptive Statistics, Regression Analysis, Correlation Studies
Key Research Findings
Significant Positive Impact
Online training significantly enhanced faculty staff performance across MDIs
Enhanced Digital Skills
Substantial improvement in faculty digital competencies and technological proficiency
Strategic Recommendations
- Expand Online Training Programs: WAMDEVIN should increase the frequency and scope of online training offerings for MDIs
- Institutional Digital Transformation: MDIs should introduce more online programs to leverage cost-saving benefits and enhanced accessibility
- Continuous Digital Skills Development: Regular exposure to online training as a pathway for acquiring relevant digital competencies
Implementation Challenges
Despite the documented benefits and extensive training programs conducted by WAMDEVIN, several challenges persist in the widespread adoption of online training across MDIs:
Resistance to Change
Traditional preferences for face-to-face classroom training persist among some stakeholders
Assessment Gaps
Limited comprehensive assessment of overall online training impact across all member institutions