Glaxo SmithKline’s  “Simply Better” quality programme revealed a number of shortcomings in the way its IT staff connected with its businesses.

" far exceeded my expectations, and will definitely add value to the work I do"    " brilliant - I hope I get the opportunity to use what I have learnt"                 " I wish I had been exposed to this type of course a long time ago"                 “ probably the best and most enjoyable course I've attended”               Course participants

“I am delighted with the results of this course, and believe the quality of our work will improve  accordingly”       Rob Legg, VP Information Resources, Glaxo SmithKline 

Many staff in the IT organisation were perceived as technically rather than business driven; priorities did not always reflect business needs; and IT consultants were considered poor communicators, remote from real world issues.

To address these problems, Academy was asked to deliver a series of staff development programmes and project-centred workshops, both at  GSK’s two headquarters in London and Philadelphia, and at a number of research facilities and factories. Improvements were aimed at consulting skills, account management, and project leadership, supported by the introduction of new procedures and investment guidelines. 

The results of the three-year programme were outstanding: business confidence improved, staff morale was enhanced, and productivity was increased. Following the completion of the programme, the IT organisation won the company’s prestigious Simply Better award for the biggest contribution to corporate efficiency.