SATRA and one of the UK’s leading universities have linked up to help create the next generation of business managers for the footwear industry. The certificate in Business Administration (Footwear Technology Management) is a new course to be offered by SATRA and Nottingham Trent University. It is aimed at busy working professionals seeking to develop their management and business skills, acquire a greater understanding of shoe technology and advance their career and personal development.

It is a module-based management development programme consisting of four core business modules delivered at the university and two modules at SATRA headquarters. These latter two form part of the managing technology content of the course and involve investigating footwear materials and footwear manufacturing.

Each module consists of a two-day teaching workshop and is followed by a five-week period of home study. This supported by a course mentor, website and study pack. Each module is then assessed by a written work-based assignment.

The two organisations jointly stress: ‘The certificate (CBA) programme is not all theory. It’s about gaining new tools skills and perspectives that you can apply directly to the workplace, enabling you to deliver tangible benefits to your organisation.’

Studies begin in January 2006 and students will complete their last assignment in August. Graduation is in November 2006 and the successful students can progress onto a Diploma in Management and MBA qualifications.

Nottingham Trent University is ranked ‘excellent’ for teaching quality and has one of the highest employability ratings in the UK at 97%. The university’s Business School is ranked in the top 20 UK Business School rankings (Guardian) and maintains a large network of business school links worldwide.

E-mail paul.mcelheron@ntu.ac.uk or telephone +44 115 848 8101 for further details and an enrolment form.