Professional bodies benefit from new publishing technologies
Professional bodies have realised the benefits of using content management systems (CMS) to publish student-based 'lifelong' learning materials and members' continuous professional development (CPD) for delivery in text and via the web.
'Lifelong' or continuous learning has become an accepted element in career development as government puts pressure on professional bodies to sustain the up-to-date skills of its membership.
The Institute of Internal Auditors - UK and Ireland (IIA) becomes the latest professional body to use bespoke CMS developed by Echelon Publishing, which counts the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development, the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, and the Royal Town Planning Institute among member associations using its e-publishing services.
The IIA system enables informational or learning material to be developed or converted into XML so that it can be published and distributed in text and/or via the web.
The CMS stores and indexes content so that it is easy to access, structure and archive. When it needs updating or re-purposing, editing can be undertaken electronically and with the minimum of time and money.
For professional bodies, this can mean converting student based learning into members' continuous professional development (CPD) material and/or authoring specialist sector specific learning.
The IIA represents, promotes and develops the professional practice of internal auditing. It has 111,000 members in 160 countries worldwide, and 7,500 members in the UK and Ireland.
The Institute provides the only professional qualifications specifically designed for internal auditors in the UK and Ireland.
Also committed to the ongoing development of members, it includes training courses, technical guidance and publications amongst its services. Echelon has been working with the IIA since 2002.
IIA Director for Education, Adrian Pulham sees benefits to members of its CMS-based approach including easy access and search of information and knowledge, structured storage and archiving, and highly cost effective editing.
Adrian Pulham says: "Echelon’s publishing technologies have meant we can transform the way we distribute our learning materials to the benefits of our members and have an electronic means of updating and re-purposing the content quickly and cheaply."
Echelon, Angles House, 210 Sheen Lane, London SW14 8LB; 020 8274 9965