A WMG PRESS RELEASE

PR 09/07

10 July 2007 

WMG AND BAE SYSTEMS CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF TOGETHERNESS  

WMG and BAE Systems recently celebrated a 10-year partnership that has resulted in significant returns for the defence and aerospace company. 

The celebration, at the University of Warwick, marked 10 years of developing the procurement arm of BAE Systems. At its inception in 1997, the Procurement Developing You (DY) SEiB Programme was designed to provide the capabilities required over the coming five years and it has evolved continuously in order to address this rolling goal.   

At the core of the programme are five educational modules covering the underpinning knowledge and skills in project management, cost and finance, contracting, business relationships and supply chain management.  Each of these is formally assessed by written assignments which direct the application of learning into the business. Surrounding the core are activities which personalise the programme for individual participants. Prior to attendance participants define personal development needs required in current or immediate future roles. Following successful attendance on the modules participants are assessed by academics from WMG and senior managers from BAE Systems.   

Stuart Barnes, WMG’s Head of Professional Programmes, said: “The level of partnership between WMG and BAE Systems and the commitment from BAE has resulted in a very successful programme. The content is undoubtedly enhanced by the engagement of experts from within the company who continuously review module content and contribute to delivery.” 

Although the prime objective of the programme has been to achieve business benefit in terms of return on investment in education, the achievement of participants is recognised professionally and academically. The modules are accredited towards a University of Warwick Post Experience Certificate and on completion participants are entitled to Associate Membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS). Participants also receive a Practitioner Certificate from BAE Systems which is recognised throughout the business. Over 900 participants from more than 35 business sites have attended the programme over the ten years of operation. The 50^th cohort of participants is currently progressing through the programme. On average the programme has achieved a return on investment in education ratio of approaching 19:1. WMG and BAE Systems have also developed Senior Practitioner and Seasoned Practitioner awards which both lead to Corporate Membership of CIPS. Seasoned Practitioners are also granted the WMG Post Experience Certificate which in turn provides entry to WMG’s masters programmes. 

Notes to editors:

• WMG, an academic group of the University of Warwick, is a provider of innovative solutions to industry, supporting some of the most advanced research, development and training projects in the world. 

For media enquiries, please call Zoë Howard on 02476 524721 or 07824 540845.