MAIT-NIS Academy to address HR issues

NEW DELHI: MAIT, the apex industry body representing IT manufacturers,

vendors and service providers, and the training solutions company NIS Sparta

Ltd. Have set up an academy to improve manpower effectiveness in the IT

industry. Called the MAIT-NIS Academy, the institution has been conceived to

address the vexing problem of manpower retention. While the IT training industry

is focused on providing technical training, there is very little offered in

terms of addressing human issues related to IT like team work, project

management and the like. Says MAIT Secretary Vinnie Mehta, "Manpower is the

most important asset in the knowledge-based IT industry. Being an industry body,

MAIT has finger on the pulse of the industry and we thought that such an academy

was hugely required."

The academy, which is the first of its kind in India, has been set up after

extensive consultation with the industry. It is mostly targeted at corporate

sponsorships although individual participation is also welcome. MAIT will play a

crucial role in coordinating with the industry while NIS with its pool of

consultants will execute the program. NIS will design the curriculum, targeted

at the managerial cadre, with inputs from MAIT. The academy’s curriculum will

include business communication and presentation; managing performance and

productivity–a scientific process; win-win negotiation skills; time and stress

management and customer management in a competitive scenario.

The academy, which has been set up in Bangalore, will expand to encompass the

entire southern region with centers in Chennai, Hyderabad and Coimbatore. The

northern region will have centers in Delhi and its adjoining regions while in

the West, Pune and Mumbai will have centers.

But is the industry buying the idea? Mehta is noncommittal and would rather

adopt a wait and watch policy. The academy offered its maiden course during the

third week of May on "Adventures in attitude and team leadership" on

which Mehta is awaiting feedback. Although the academy is going ahead with its

expansion plans, much of its success depends on the active participation of the

industry.