New Product Development (NDP) Professional Certification Scheme

What is it?

CforC has been appointed as Northern Ireland branch of the UK and Ireland Chapter of the Product Development Managers Association (PDMA) of America. Details to be found at http://www.pdma.org/uk

PDMA has over 2,500 members from USA and Europe; the development of new products and services involves an integrated set of unique activities. PDMA is the only organisation that focuses on addressing this challenge by providing opportunities for professional development, education, experience, networking and recognition. This is done through entry into the NPD Professional Certification scheme.

Why Should I want it?

There are benefits for you, the individual, and your company. You will benefit from more education, skills and knowledge to assist you to develop personally; these are exam tested. As a member of PDMA (UK & Ireland) you will have access to the Body of Knowledge, a complete reference and resource that is accessed through a members’ website, bi-monthly and quarterly publications and chapter events including networking across the island of Ireland. In addition there will be invitations to join Best Practice study visits and benchmarking groups. This will improve your personal performance and effectiveness.

Your company will benefit from exposure to NPD Global Best Practices, early access to research and leading edge thinking and opportunities for benchmarking. This will ensure that your company’s NPD people are among the best informed in the world. It is bringing global Best Practice to Northern Ireland.

How Do I get it?

Enrol for the next 2-days training course on 14 and 15 March 07, submit your CV and personal experience history and pass the exam. You will then be a certified NPD Professional. This is maintained through completing 60 hours Continuing Professional Development (CPD) over a 3-year period leading to re-certification. The cost is £845 + vat per person for CforC member organisations for the training, examination fee and one years PDMA membership.

Contact Centre for Competitiveness 028 9073 7950 or via e-mail compete@cforc.org