Re: Advanced Human Factors

Guy M. Smith (guy.smith_at_nwa.com)
Fri, 25 Jul 1997 11:44:00 -0700


Gerry Joering wrote:
>
> There is a need for advanced certificate recognition beyond the ATP. Most
> professional groups have courses with agreed upon standards for advanced
> training. These programs are not meant to be MA, MS, or PHD equivalents
> yet they provide a goal for those who seek self improvement or expertise
> within a narrow field. Certificates in Advanced Management come to mind.
>
> A nationally recognized umbrella group is necessary to give such a program
> creditability. It may be that the Aviation schools can play a leading role
> in establishing a certificate accreditation board or association.

Gerry, you are right on target with your comment. This addresses a
whole new paradigm in education called the "Corporate University" or
"Corporate College." I recently discovered a new magazine called
"Corporate University Review" that covers this exciting concept of
education. You might want to scan their website at
http://www.traininguniversity.com/index.html

The latest issue of "Corporate University Review" describes a program at
Reebok that does exactly what you are talking about. The idea of a
corporate university in an airline has tremendous potential. In many
cases, airlines already have the training programs, the experts, and the
facilities. I can picture an alliance between an airline and a
university that does exactly what Gerry suggests - providing advanced
certificates for our specializations. Here is an example - Certificate
in Human Factors Facilitation. Anybody interested??

-- 
Guy M. Smith
Manager, Human Factors Practices
Northwest Airlines N7205
5101 Northwest Dr.
St. Paul, MN 55111-3034
Phone 612-727-4255