U21Global to train Satyam staff

In talks with Wipro, HPCL, IOC for a similar programme

Satyam School of Leadership (SSL), the corporate leadership university of Satyam Computer Services Limited, has announced its partnership with Harvard Business School Publishing (HBSP) and Universitas 21 Global (U21Global), the Singapore-based online university.

Under the tie-up U21Global will conduct a 6-month certificate programme for 3,000 employees of Satyam, according to Girish Rangan, country manager, U21Global.

The course curriculum is being designed by both U21Global and Harvard as per the specific requirements of Satyam Computer Services. Aimed at developing universal competencies, the programme, termed Certificate of Global Business Leadership, will hone the global business strategy skills of Satyam professionals over a period of three years, he said.

U21Global is also working with Wipro, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Indian Oil Corporation to offer a similar certificate programme for their employees. Currently, a pilot programme is underway at Wipro and HPCL. A batch of 110 employees of Wipro are undergoing a course, based on the result of which an agreement will be signed with them, Rangan added.

Without naming the company, he said U21Global is also in talks with a large IT company for a similar programme.

The core objective of the programme is to improve Satyam's strategic leadership capabilities. About 66 per cent of the selected employees of Satyam are located in India and the rest are based at its client locations across the world, said Shrikant Sinha, director, recruitment, south India, U21Global.

HBSP, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Harvard University, and U21Global, the online graduate school established by the Universitas 21 network of globally recognised universities jointly with Thomson Learning, will collaborate in defining, selecting and delivering suitable learning content for skill enhancement of Satyam's professionals.

Rangan said, "This is the first of its kind partnership entered into by U21Global in India. We are working with several other companies in the country to expand our presence in the growing education market."

The selection criteria for course participants will be based on nominations by Satyam and performance. U21Global will make the final eligibility decision with the SSL team, based on a detailed evaluation of each application.

HBSP will provide leadership development content, case studies and online leadership modules, while U21Global will deliver suitably integrated additional content, participant management and assessment processes based on the specific requirements of Satyam. Unlike other academic alliances, this programme is fully sponsored by SSL and designed exclusively for Satyam employees, Rangan said.

U21Global will provide faculty members from its team of 150 across the world. The programme will be delivered virtually and supplemented with blended learning options. It is expected to commence from May this year.

"In today's competitive world, corporations have to constantly upgrade the competencies of their employees to achieve the desired business goals. Our course will provide them with the required skills," Rangan said.