Case Studies
Conducting focus groups
A group of editors were poised to conduct a major piece of research in their key overseas market. We stepped in to help them organise and conduct focus groups and to understand how qualitative methods can complement more quantitative market research.
Copyright and contracts
An HE College whose staff are closely involved in writing open and distance learning materials approached us for advice - both on protecting and exploiting their own copyright materials and for advice on not infringing other people's. This led to a one-day seminar for the academic staff, followed by further, more specialist consultancy.
Book and journal publishers regularly commission in-house training in contractual matters which can be built around their own 'standard' agreements. Similar training is also much in demand from medical communications companies and contract publishers.
Grammar and writing
A major national museum regularly commissions training in grammar for publications, curatorial and fundraising staff to ensure that published texts are appropriate to their audience and reflect the scholarly reputation of the museum.
In response to the recommendation of a consultancy into the effectiveness of its reports, a government agency selected us to provide training in grammar and writing skills and to make recommendations about developing a house style.
Updating IT skills
We're helping companies update their IT skills - both in the hands-on use of new software or in those features which in-house staff need to understand in their role as editorial/production intermediaries.
Managing time, money, projects - and people
Prompted by their commitment to the Investors in People initiative, two of our regular clients commissioned us to provide management training for their publishing staff.
We worked with an international publisher of professional materials to train staff in managing the resources which underpin large publishing projects, i.e. time, money and people (particularly external contributors).
A fast-developing trade publisher asked us to help editors - and their counterparts in other departments - to understand the commissioning role in the context of managing a business unit.
Proofreading
A manufacturer of medical appliances approached us to train staff who are responsible for the accuracy of users' instructions. In addition to covering basic proofreading skills, the training also focused on working practice and how it might be modified to reduce errors.
Training in proofreading has also been commissioned by retailers, charities and by broadcasting support services - as well as by commercial publishers.
Sales training, presentation and negotiating skills
We recently trained the sales force of a major trade publisher in selling techniques and in presentation skills. In addition to refining core skills, the training provided an opportunity to facilitate communication amongst an otherwise fragmented workforce.
And we were invited back to sharpen up negotiating skills amongst the company's editors and publishers.
| ← In-Company Training Client List | Working with International Publishers → |
|---|