Action Learning is "learning by doing" in a way that benefits the business in a measureable manner. The focus is on increasing employees' learning capacity while responding to real business challenges. It develops critical thinking and creates mutual understanding and respect among employees. Action Learning is a core element of Optima's performance improvement approach and we deploy it extensively as a key component in Continue Reading

Our bespoke programmes are designed to improve specific business performance indicators or defined business needs and bring about substantial change in the performance of individuals and teams. We design and build a new programme to address these needs but will in some cases use existing organisational training material and /or programmes, or SAQA credit bearing courses and programmes, augmented with Continue Reading

Optima has the ability to manage the implementation of programmes on a turnkey basis for our clients as follows: Before the start of the learning events Make all logistical arrangements Send invitation mails and SMS’s Communicate required preparation to delegates Train workplace coaches Brief in-company guest speakers Print learning material During the learning events Monitor and support delegates, facilitators and Continue Reading

At Optima we have extensive global experience in providing training and expert support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in start-up, growth and expansion phases. Corporates that invest in SME development appoint Optima to assist in problem areas to grow these businesses and to find alternative solutions to overcome difficulties within the businesses. Optima mentors various clients to assist with Continue Reading

Through the use of qualitative and quantitative assessments we at Optima can deliver a ‘health check’ of your business. We use highly experienced experts with a wide range of industry exposure to conduct the health checks, usually in terms of: Financial statements Management practices and principles Inventory practices and policies Ratios Variances Costs Pricing Markets Value of the business Additional Continue Reading

Determining the worth of a SME business normally results in an argument between the seller, the buyer, the selling agent and the financier. We developed a unique Business Valuation Instrument. With this instrument, combined with our business ethics and expertise we provide an accurate and reliable business valuation. The same instrument can be used to explore ‘what if’ scenarios to Continue Reading

Optima has trained and supported fund management teams investing in SME’s in nine African countries, the Netherlands, Oman and India. We specialise in developing business advisory skills to successfully advise SME’s. More specifically we provide training and support to: Business advisors to SMEs Practitioners involved in SME finance Investors in on-lending to SMEs Fund Managers investing in the SME sector Continue Reading

We have extensive expertise to develop specific projects for and in collaboration with clients. Most of the projects involve small business development varying from supply chain and distribution network development (i.e. developing businesses in a Corporate’s supply chain or distribution network) to social responsibility (e.g. companies investing in small businesses) and economic stimulation (e.g. facilitating the development of manufacturing businesses Continue Reading

At Optima we strongly believe that without strong management and leadership skills businesses run the risk of failure, or at least of not optimising its potential and opportunities. Management and leadership development must be dynamic to respond to the constantly changing environment in which businesses operate. At Optima we respond to these changing trends in leadership by moving individual and Continue Reading

Our range of psychological and occupational assessments facilitates informed decision making related to the profiling of all staff. At Optima we offer a unique approach focussed on the identification, retention and optimal utilisation of potential and existing talent. Our suite of assessment solutions highlights the appropriate combination of individual and team assessments to inform decisions within the following categories: Recruitment Continue Reading

At Optima we believe that coaching is an integral part of the responsibility of every manager and leader in business. Managers must learn how to be coached, and how to coach others for success. Our coaching is therefore focused on development, building experience and confidence and enhancing capacity suitable to all levels in an organisation Our highly experienced coaches focus Continue Reading

We have a number of short workshops (one to three days) that were developed by our Optima Team, and by means of our strategic partners we can offer any SAQA credit bearing programmes as well. Business Development Short Courses: Finance for non-finance managers Financial management Access to finance Business development management Business writing skills Small business management Fund management Marketing your business Business communication skills

We have a number of short workshops (one to three days) that were developed by our Optima Team, and by means of our strategic partners we can offer any SAQA credit bearing programmes as well. Leadership development short courses: Participative performance discussions (Performance management) Management principles Supervisory smarts Planning, organising, leading and controlling Driving change/Change management SmartTalk (A communication skills programme) Presentation skills Woman development Interpersonal skills Personal efficiency Stress management EQ Managing time Self-management

Optima can manage your training function on your behalf as an insourced alliance. An insourced alliance is not on the payroll; however functions just like an internal training department. It shares the same vision and values, has the same responsibilities, and participates in the same planning and review sessions as an internal department. Your benefit from an insourced alliance relationship Continue Reading