Management development in the retail sector

Describes a management development programme involving a major UK retail company in 1985. Reports on the aims of the development programme. Examines the main elements of the programme, which comprised six three day workshops, preparatory work, short external courses, individual tutorials and an extended group project. Presents a formal evaluation and validation of the programme which included the outcomes for the individuals attending and outcome for the organization. Concludes that management development is something which is part of the culture of the organization and should be seen as an integral part of how strategic decisions are taken to manage human resource development.