BRITISH MANAGEMENT OPEN LEARNING PROGRAMMES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL

LEAVERS AND EMPLOYMENT IN CAMEROON

by:

Yobo A Koue Fidele Honorine

Regional Co-operation Officer
British College of Professional Management - Cameroon
e-mail: britishcollege@camnet.cm

INTRODUCTION TO THE COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT

The College of Professional Management (CPM), is a British Institution which provides Training at a
tertiary Level of education. The College provides very high quality yet low cost British Management
Training Programs, and has been doing so for many years; in fact in 1998 was celebrated the 40th
anniversary of the Principal in this field. CPM has its headquarters in Jersey, Britain, with offices,
affiliates and representative offices in many countries around the world.

The College was established well over four decades ago to meet the demand for modern, professional
management training from ambitious men and women in countries all over the world.
For every one person who can attend full-time training, at home or abroad, there are many hundreds who
can afford neither the time nor the money to do so. CPM concentrates on the second category, and
provides excellent modern training programs which its trainees follow in their home countries, at home or
at the work place.

Training programs end with a Diploma examination , normally invigilated by the local Campus. Successful
trainees gain the prestigious British College of professional Management Diploma and become College
Graduates at International Baccalaureate and Associate of Science Degree or Specialisation Level. A large
majority of CPM graduates then go on to gain new or better jobs gain promotion and responsibility at
work, command new and higher salaries and benefits or start and effectively run their own businesses.

CPM has developed a unique and modern method of training professional administrators, business people,
business and governmental managers and supervisors, in remarkably short periods and at a cost within the
reach of most who aspire to those positions. The extremely well produced and substantial training
materials were designed and written by experts with wide experience of training managers.

Furthermore, the College is a FULL MEMBER of BAOL, the most prestigious British organisation for
open and distance learning providers.

The British Association for Open Learning was formed in 1990, and is today recognised as a major force
and focus for the development and dissemination of good practice in its fields. BAOL members are
specialists in open and flexible learning drawn from the leading publishers and providers. Collectively,
they form the largest pool of expertise in open and distance learning in United Kingdom.

BAOL membership is a guarantee of quality and practice. BAOL members adhere to national guidelines
set for quality standards adopted as the Association’s own Code of Practice. If open/distance learning
materials carry the British Association for Open Learning Logo, you can be assured of their quality and
integrity.

WHY DISTANCE LEARNING ?

A number of factors make distance learning an attractive option for professional development.
First of all , it contributes to broadening and updating professional development. In fact, there is a
growing appreciation among qualified professionals that they need to be aware of new ideas in their own
and other disciplines in order to carry out their responsibilities in a more effective manner. Therefore, an
increasing need in the domain of approach analysis, planning and problem solving is noticed, thus
requiring people with multi-disciplinary abilities.

Second, distance learning provides in-service and in-country training education. Because some potential
candidates cannot afford the time to attend full-time training at home or abroad because the employer
cannot bear the cost of training or do not want to release them, CPM offers through its external offices,
affiliates and campuses around the world, the opportunity to study while at home, at the job site and
continuing full time employment. Through this method, the cost of replacing staff is reduced. In
addition, studying while in-service allows first hand implementation of new skills and ideas acquired.

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Third, certain responsibilities and commitments, such as domestic or family engagements, often prevent
people from continuing their studies. Distance learning is here a means of overcoming these common
constraints because one can study in his/her own home and at his/her own pace.

Fourth, it is extremely costly to undertake full-time study with residence abroad and all what that entails
such as feeding, clothing, insurance, living expenses, etc.… , especially for students from developing
countries where there are very few scholarships available. With distance learning, not only the cost of
studies is greatly reduced, but also is the cost of living reduced by more than five. The money that could
have been spent in one year for full time study abroad can be enough for the whole training in-country

Fifth, the number of places on full time courses is often limited, whereas with Distance learning such
restrictions are not encountered.

The above-mentioned five factors are not exhaustive, but give an insight to the importance and
usefulness of Distance Learning in today’s world.

BENEFITS OF THE DISTANCE LEARNING TO CAMEROONIANS

The CPM Distance Learning scheme of studies offers innovative professional undergraduate study
programmes related to Management, and Business Administration. All programmes are a direct response
to a need for high quality continuing professional development in these key areas.

The College now operates in Cameroon, a country where English is an official language, and thanks to its
Acceptance to the Commonwealth, people of low income are now proud to receive prestigious British
Diplomas.

Cameroon is a developing country making all possible efforts to boot away the economic crisis mining its
development. And to any suitably qualified and willing candidate, CPM offers the opportunity to study
and become a highly efficient and specialised professional. The conjugated efforts of all graduates, well
invested in such a country, could act as a new breath in professionalism, management, and business
administration, all key areas not properly performed.

Cameroon is a country with immense resources and potentials that need only be well exploited to the
benefits of all its population. If these are well managed, Cameroon will be in Africa in particular and in the
whole world in general, a partner worth estimated for the high quality of its professionals.

To achieve this noble objective, CPM is open to everyone in search of quality training and who fullfils the
entrance requirements without any distinction of origine, race, sex, religion.

In Cameroon, CPM has recently established two campuses situated in Douala and Bamenda towns.
Already, many Cameroonians have taken the initiative to get ahead of others and succeed by contacting the
College and enrolling for one (or more) of CPM ‘s professional training programmes.

These two campuses are run by hardworking and dynamic teams, themselves living examples of former
students trained in the Distance learning scheme of studies offered by CPM.

THE VITAL IMPORTANCE OF TRAINED MANAGERS

As we know, management is the art of managing the activities of others; and the measure of a manager’s
success is often determined mainly by his or her skill in dealing effectively with other people. Good
management ensures that a group of people work together in the most effective and efficient manner , to
achieve in the best and most economical way. Management is a professional job; but a difficult job,
because it involves dealing not just with inanimate objects, services theories - but with unpredictable men
and women , each with a different and complex character.

Management involves providing leadership for the group of people and much more: It requires training
advice and guidance, supervision and control; and if the stated goal or objective is to be achieved, their
work must be so organised and co-ordinated that they work together as a team. And it is only the trained
manager who can “weld” his or her subordinates into an efficient, co-ordinated team.

Few people are born with “natural” management flair. Most successful modern managers have had to be
trained to deal effectively with the people whom they supervise or manage in the course of their work.
Most modern managers must learn to provide effective leadership, how to organise, how to motivate and
how to control subordinates for the best results- and how to do all that without arousing dissatisfaction or

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causing disputes. Many of the problems which beset those involved in supervision and management can be
avoided with the right training.

And that is what CPM provides: THE RIGHT TRAINING - FOR MODERN MANAGERS.

METHODS OF STUDIES
There are three basic methods of study at the British College. But it must be noted that each academic
year is divided into three entrances, namely September, January and April. The study calendar of the
British College of Professional Management starts at the beginning of each entrance and runs for 18
months, including a period to revise and prepare for the final examination.

Examinations are held at the end of each term, after completion of a full programme. A programme
requires an average study time of twelve to thirteen weeks, each module being taught within a minimum
of seven and a maximum of ten hours.
The three methods of studies are explained as under:

Self-study training method

Under this method of study, Trainees follow the programs they have enrolled for, at home and/or at their
work place. This is the most popular method of training around the world. The detailed Training Guide
and Instructions Self Assessment Tests with recommended Answers, Stationery and Progress Chart are
specially designed so that Trainees can follow Programs without the need for lectures or outside help,
and can quickly and easily achieve success in the Diploma Examination(s). Trainees are allowed up to 12
months from their enrolment date in which to complete one Training Program (15 months for two
programs studied together or 18 months for three Programs studied together) without additional Fee -
provided he/she has completed payment of the agreed Training fee. However, Trainees are permitted to
complete Training in a shorter period of time if sufficient time is devoted to studies before attempting the
Final Diploma Examination.

Regular campus-study
Under this method of study, in addition to everything supplied under the Self-Study Training Method,
Trainees attend full day time lectures for the topics covered in their Program(s), at the local Campus. In
addition, local staff can arrange placements/internships for Trainees. Lectures, placements and all related
administrative matters are organised entirely by the local Campus staff, and not by the College in Britain.

Intensive campus-study
Under this method of study, everything supplied under the Self-Study Training Method is still provided,
and like Regular Campus Study, Trainees attend lectures/seminars for the topics covered in their
Program(s), at the local Campus. The lectures are more intensive, and may be held in the evenings as
well as during the daytime. Programs might thus be completed in as little as three months. There are no
placements arranged under this Training method. Lectures, and all related administrative matters are
organised entirely by the local Campus staff, and not by the College in Britain.

COURSE MATERIALS & TRAINING PROGRAMMES AVAILABLE

Course materials
Each enrolled trainee receives a comprehensive package of study materials for each course which meets
all study requirements. The package includes;
n a quality produced substantial and illustrated Training Manual/ core textbook in two volumes
of readings drawn from a wide range of sources, including Self-Assessment Tests after each
chapter which will lead the trainee through the programme of self supported study, and
Recommended answers.
n a substantial course file which is a detailed Training Guide. This guide includes instructions
and advice leading to success, and a progress chart.
n stationery for answers to self assessments tests.
n supplementary study and reading materials depending on the programme, and including
audiotapes and/or video software

Each set of course materials is a complete and planned scheme of training, developed and designed by
subject experts drawn from universities and research institutes, with great experience of training
managers and others in countries world-wide. All are prepared under close academic guidance and
supervision of a appreciative board.

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Prospective students are always made to understand that distance education of this kind demands a high
degree of commitment, determination and self-discipline in the typically isolated conditions of study they
experience, especially independent students, who do not attend any lecture.

Training programs available.

BCPM is available to all with ambitions to succeed as professional business people, administrators,
managers and supervisors of excellent quality. The programmes now available are:
• Principles of Modern Management
• Office Management/Administration
• Business Management/Administration
• Business Economics and Commerce
• Personnel Management & Industrial Relations
• Selling & Salesmanship
• Sales Management & Marketing
• Advertising and Public Relations
• Tourism & Travel Agency Management
• Hotel Operations & Management
• Stores Management & Stock (Inventory) Control
• Computers in Modern Management
• Essential Business Bookkeeping
• Business Bookkeeping and Accounts
• Accounting in Business & Management
• Administrative Assistant - Private Assistant - Secretarial Duties
• Everyday English for Everyone
• Communication in Business & Management
From the titles of these programmes, it is easily understandable that they are all interactive key areas
in the effective running of a business.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS, EXAMINATIONS, AND DIPLOMAS.

General entrance requirements
• be at least 17 years old.
• satisfy the general entrance requirements of the University (that is, GCE ‘A’ levels in two subjects +
at least three further subjects at GCE ‘O’ level at no less than grade C or its equivalent) for the
“Associate of Science” Degree Programme.
• satisfy to the general entrance requirements of High School (that is, GCE ‘O’ level in at least five
subjects at less than grade C or its equivalent) for the “International Baccalaureate” Degree Program.
• satisfy to the requirements of the general test of proficiency in English or Entrance Test.

Examinations
On completion of the training, assessment for each individual course is by final written examination
exclusively. These examinations are held in students’ countries of residence, under close invigilation by
examination authorities of the local ministry of education. The standard of examination is the same
everywhere CPM operates. All exams are prepared in Jersey - Britain where scripts are sent back for
marking and results issued.

The Diplomas are issued from Britain for Trainees in each country, and are exactly the same as those
issued to all CPM Trainees all over the world.

Students are examined at the local Campus where the Examination date is arranged for Regular and
Intensive Trainees. Self studying Trainees must apply to the local Campus staff to arrange invigilation of
their Examination(s) when they feel ready for it within the limits of time of their method of study. There
is no extra “examination fee”, only a small charge to re-sit failed Examinations.

Lecturers
Lecturers of CPM are specialists that come from every where around the world with the minimum
academic requirement of a Masters Degree with teaching experience in the CPM domains of interest.

Diplomas
It must be noted that diplomas are of two types. On completion of the training, the students sit a Final
Diploma Examination. For each of the programmes successfully completed in whatever Training
method, a Read-Seal Diploma is awarded free of charge. To achieve a Gold-Seal Honours Diploma (for
which a small charge is made), three or more Programmes must be completed.
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Red-Seal Diplomas and Gold-Seal Group Diplomas achieved are equivalent to a BCPM International
Baccalaureate and Associate of Science respectively. The Mention “International Baccalaureate” is made
particularly on diplomas issued to students enrolled with “O” level only.
The Diplomas issued from Jersey are the same as those issued to any CPM Trainee around the world and
bear the same value. Moreover, there are seven different gold-Seal Group Diplomas:
Group Diploma on Management Studies
Group Diploma on Business Studies
Group Diploma on Sales Promotion Studies
Group Diploma on Office Management Studies
Group Diploma on Business Accounting Studies
Groups Diploma on Executive Assistance
Group Diploma on Hospitality Studies

STRATEGY FOR EMPLOYMENT PROMOTION

At the end of the training, all regular students are requested to spend at least three months in enterprises
as internships, which help them discover and strengthen all the theoretical, yet specialised training
already acquired. Those internship/placements are arranged by the local campus at the national as well as
the international level. The National Fund for Employment in Cameroon also appears to be a great
partner in the placement of new graduates, by registering them and finding opportunities for them,
considering that they are immediately operational after training.

It has also been noticed that even if Trainees are not maintained in enterprises after internships, they are
always ready to create small size enterprises with the practical, and directly applicable and professional
skills acquired at the British College. Considering that all the programs taught at the British College, if
put together, constitute a complete enterprise, we find that each and every branch here constitutes an
essential part in the good functioning of a company.

CO-OPERATION FOR TRAINEESHIPS

Considering the wide span of the programmes offered and the great emphasis laid on the exchange of
experience and variety of teaching methods at the British College, a programme has been established in
Cameroon, whereby the institution receives, on a regular basis, qualified graduates and postgraduates
from every where in the world, ready to teach and share their knowledge with young generations, open to
the modern community.

CONCLUSION AND PERSPECTIVES

At the end of this presentation, we can say that something valuable and promising has been initiated, but
a lot is still to be done in Africa in general and in Cameroon in particular as far as vulgarisation and
practice of Distance learning. This way of studying, from the experience of the British College of
Professional Management, appears not only to be innovative, but what has been long awaited. The gain
in time spent on studies only can now be well invested, since the knowledge acquired is more than ever
practical in today’s world of advanced professionalism.

Notwithstanding, this great contribution of the British College, it has encountered a number of problems.
These can be summarised under four points:

First is the cost. As compared to public institutions that charge less than the British College because they
are sponsored by the State, it appears sometimes that some parents are not ready to bear even the reduced
charges, though really interested. This comes from the fact that the purchasing power of the population is
quite low.

Second, what the British College offers is an innovation in the domain of education of the country. This
gives way to many queries, and most of all, people are not yet used to such flexibility in education as
compared to the very rigid system in place locally. Therefore they wonder about the value of the
diplomas issued in comparison to those issued by the traditional and rather old-fashioned system of
education still in place.

Third, the transfer of students from the Distance Learning method to the one in public institutions. In
general, external students can study anywhere in the world. With the rigid system here implemented, it is
not always easy to be admitted to complete a degree programme after studying at the British College, due
to the sequencing of courses which is not always the same. Due to certain local restrictions, few
institutions require an additional examination set to assess the level of the candidate.

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Four, going abroad for studies still appears as a proof of great ability in peoples’minds. By so doing,
many people fail to understand that the diplomas awarded in a Distance Learning program are the same
issued to internal students attending full time residential courses abroad. Upon their return, those trained
in-country are more favoured for jobs, since these are more aware of the local realities and easier to
introduce into the job market.

PERSPECTIVES
On the one hand, from the British College experience, many perspectives are open to us. In the minds of
many people in Africa, there is still a strong worship of big diplomas. For this reason, Degree
Programmes in Management and in Business Administration are in preparation. Many “Associate of
Science” holders will be pleased to complete the cycle, and many more “A” level holders will enrol for a
complete course.

As for further diplomas such as M.Sc., and Ph.D., a partnership is in its implementation process with
well-established institutions such as the Universities of Surrey, London, and Pacific Western University.
Once such agreements are arrived at, a boost in highly qualified and professional training will be
experienced by thousands of interested people, students, as well as workers whose career path will not
need to be interrupted.

Another improvement in the quality of the training offered could be to launch students exchanges with
other sister institutions, and why not with institutions here represented, in terms of activities. Groups of
students may involve in exchanges with others in other countries, to share different experiences,
discover more than the little environment many are usually confined to, and keep an update quality of the
training.

Such an opportunity at the Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning is not only an occasion to talk
about the British College of Professional Management, but also to bring a testimony of the great
importance and efficiency of such an innovative means of study, successfully applicable in Africa, still
in its building process. Distance Learning can provide, I am confident, the strongest ground for
development in that part of the world.