Outcomes-based CPD credits are formulated on important and established lines. Handing out a certificate to a MICE individual – who merely attends a MICE-related gathering is totally useless in every sense of the word.
An attendance certificate is the same as getting a discount coupon at the check-out counter – just because the product was purchased. Adding insult to injury by classifying the certificate as earning points, units etc for growing the individual’s knowledge base is so shallow as to border on the negligent by the certificate distributor.
CPD (Continuing Professional Development) is a serious process with equally serious methods of checks and balances.
For example – the online Q&A Tests within the Academy’s CPD MICE Programme has five criteria:
1. Planning the test: Reading material and/or briefing sessions have to be vetted as to the written or presented ‘word’. Attractively explained in either written and/or presentation format is an essential element towards greater message retention. Plain text or a dull, un-illustrated presentation can reduce the absorption level.
2. Creating the test items: Formulating the questions from the written / presented MICE subject are drafted based on the event practitioner’s established background and experience longevity. Providing the choice of answers – of which only one can be selected – is the crux of the real knowledge test to determine what has been absorbed, disseminated and understood by the individual.
3. Creating the test form: The manner in which the individual takes the test with the embedded explanation when an answer is incorrect is paramount – so that the individual knows why the selected answer is not the right one.
4. Delivering the test: The test presentation must ensure simplicity – allowing the individual to backtrack between questions – within a specified time limit – prior to finally submitting the test provides a concentrated attitude towards the test itself.
5. Evaluating the test: The test results must be instantaneous – ultimately resulting in an authentic certificate which incorporates the event management NQF of domain, sector and sub-sector for each test subject-matter undertaken.
The pioneering work of the MICE Academy together with their media partners Meetings is a world-first for the industry and indeed many other industries have expressed interest to incorporate similar criteria within their existing CPD Programmes. The outcome at this time? Ensuring a CPD MICE Programme of outstanding value and benefit to the individual as well as the MICE industry.
For a demo email info@miceacademy.co.za
