SERVICE CHARACTERISTICS

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Interest Group Focus

The CEM training programmes are customised to focus on the needs of specific interest groups within both the public and private sectors. The following focused training is offered:

- Leadership awareness;

- Political leadership at the local government level;

- SHE representative skills;

- Internal auditor skills and competence;

- General staff awareness programmes;

- Dedicated train-the-trainer programmes;

- Specific skills transfer facilitation programmes such as
enterprise-wide risk assessment and management programmes;

- Implementation of management systems;

- Legal compliance facilitation programmes; etc.

Sector Specialisation

The CEM has extensive experience in a wide range of sectors ranging from:

- National government;

- Provincial government;

- Local and district municipal government;

- Mining sector;

- Chemical sector;

- Manufacturing sector;

- Engineering sector;

- Construction sector;

- Forestry sector;

- Agricultural sector; and

- Financial sector.

Training Philosopy and Approach

The general training philosophy of the CEM is to provide high quality, relevant, innovative and cutting-edge training solutions in all spheres of environmental, safety and health (SHE) management to facilitate change towards a sustainable and safe future.

TRAINING PRINCIPLES
The principles underpinning the sustained success of our training programmes are:

Combined Theoretical and Practical Teaching Philosophy
The CEM’s training strategy is to provide students with a sound theoretical foundation that is supported by appropriate practical assignments, with exposure to best-practice case examples.

For custom-made, in-house training programmes, practical assignments are generated in association with the client to ensure applicability to local needs, while value created is maximised.

Use of High Qualified and Experienced Facilitators
The CEM uses trainers that are:
- Academically qualified and has extensive and relevant practical experience; and
- Recognised as experts in their relevant fields of specialisation.
- Facilitators are also regularly assessed by students to ensure sustained performance.

Well-Structured Course Material
Students are provided with course material of high quality. Course notes are often supported by case studies, resource kits, demonstrations and other additional enrichment material.
Course material is regularly reviewed and continually improved.

Regular Revision and Update of Courses

CEM courses are regularly reviewed, revised and updated. New course content and courses are added in accordance with the needs of students and clients, as well as developments in the knowledge base. CEM staff regularly attends conferences and conduct research to ensure that course content remains in line with the latest developments. The extension of CEM networks also ensures sustained growth in the CEM’s knowledge base.

Comprehensive Student Assessment and Moderation

In accordance with the philosophy of outcomes-based education, various methods are used to assess student performance, including:

- Continuous student formative assessment;

- Summative assessment of practical assignments (syndicate work);

- Summative assessment in formal examinations (where applicable);

- Summative assessment of take-away practical assignments (where applicable);

- Optional peer evaluation of student participation in syndicate work;

- CEM staff moderates all forms of assessment.

In order to meet SAQA and North-West University quality requirements, the CEM assessment process incorporates not only the grading of examination papers, but also a rigorous process involving moderation and independent approval of all assessment results by an internal CEM assessment panel.

To be awarded a Certificate of Successful Completion or a Letter of Attendance, students need to meet the applicable assessment criteria.

A second summative assessment opportunity is offered to qualifying students. Students must formally apply for a re-examination event (Applications for re-examination can be downloaded from – this website

Customer Satisfaction

The Centre for Environmental Management has developed, documented and implemented a quality management system (QMS) based on the International Standard ISO 9001. The QMS is regularly maintained to address changing circumstances and improved on an annual basis. All the activities, products and services of the CEM are planned and managed in conformity with the requirements of ISO 9001 and the North West University, applicable legal requirements as well as customer expectations.

In line with the Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) cycle of quality management systems, planning and doing of the CEM’s business processes are done at three levels: strategic planning, operational planning and detailed product planning. Strategic planning is governed by a procedure “Management of Strategic Processes” and done annually. The principal outcomes include a Quality Manual, Quality Policy and Quality Objectives supported by a detailed Management Plan. Operational control or realisation of processes is achieved by means of documented procedures that cover all the CEM’s key and supporting processes.

Quality Management

The CEM has developed, documented and implemented a quality management system (QMS) based on the International Standard ISO 9001 to ensure both the consistent delivery of high quality training services and events, as well as sustained customer satisfaction. The QMS is regularly maintained to address changing circumstances and is improved on an annual basis. All of the activities, products and services of the CEM are planned and managed in conformity with the requirements of ISO 9001 and the North-West University, and with the applicable legal requirements, as well as with clients’ customer expectations.

The QMS meets the requirements of professional bodies such as the Southern African Auditor and Training Certification Authority (SAATCA) as well as the quality assurance requirements of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) and the North-West University (NWU).

Quality is continually ensured by means of:

- Management of non-conformities and complaints;

- Controlling key points of all of the processes related to the delivery of training services;

- Course and presenter assessments;

- Review of courses; and

- Management review and continual improvement processes.

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Please note the CEM website is available in only English