Implementation

Business development
IFC is primarily responsible for building the Business Edge™ brand in the market, and works jointly with the accredited training providers in planning promotional events and pitches to key clients. Accredited training providers also pitch to current and targeted clients, according to their business plans.

Contracting
Clients have two options. One, contract the trainer directly. Two, IFC can take charge of contracting firms for large corporate by requesting firms to send proposals for the specific assignment.

Delivering training
IFC provides a database for trainers to manage training delivery and quality control. Every firm has a password-controlled space that captures and stores the information. The process of approval is as follows:

• Trainer undertakes a Training Needs Assessment (TNA) and structures a course in consultation with the client;
• Trainer then registers the course in the Business Edge™ database, attaches the customized content (session plan, presentation and activities), and participants list and emails the designated Business Edge™ coordinator for approval.
• The Business Edge™ coordinator reviews the content to ascertain if it complies with customization guidelines. The coordinator approves or disapproves the course and informs the trainer the reasons for the latter. The trainer may re-submit the course for approval once they address the issues raised by the coordinator.
• At the end of the course, the Trainer confirms or registers the participants, uploads the evaluation forms and sends original copies of the evaluation forms and participants list to the Business Edge™ coordinator for approval to issue Business Edge™ attendance certificates; The evaluations are useful in assessing if the partners liked and understood the course, as well as areas for improvement or further training. It’s therefore a useful performance rating and new business development tool.

The Business Edge™ database is a versatile tool for training firms to track performance and generate training reports for clients and internal use.

Responsibilities
The cooperation agreement states responsibilities that both IFC and the training firm must adhere to ensure successful execution of Business Edge™. These obligations cover among other items:

• Attainment of the training targets set in the business plan;
• Courses registration, content customization and issuance of certificates;
• Reporting schedules;
• Branding;
• Monitoring and renewal of licenses;
• Restrictions to use of IFC and World Bank Group logos;
• Capacity building of trainers

The cooperation agreement is sent to firms whose trainers have passed the Training of Trainers Course.