Functional skills open new paths to progress in the workplace
Marine engineer Makkar Singh was a results-oriented manager with a commitment to team building. But while he was strong in technical skills in the areas of shipboard machinery maintenance and shipbuilding, he had no formal training in general management.
It did not show until he was promoted in the summer of 1999 by the ship management company he was employed in.
'The feeling of inadequacy started when I was entrusted with higher responsibilities as head of the technical department [at K C Maritime],' said Mr Singh, who came to Hong Kong from India seven years ago.
He felt he was in particular need of finance and accounting knowledge, and therefore decided it was time to continue studies.
'I was eager to learn more about motivating people, team building, planning and control. I felt this was essential to be able to work better and perform as was expected of me by top management,' he said.
Looking at the options available, Mr Singh decided that an open university was the best way to gain management skills.