The client
The PreP Division of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (the Institute), was previously known as Advanced Business Education Limited (ABEL).

Amongst its many roles, the PreP Division develops and delivers the programmes and assessments for those seeking admission as members of the Institute. The programmes and assessments are collectively titled 'The Professional Competence Programme' and comprise the Foundations Programme and Professional Accounting School/Professional Competence Examination (PAS/PCE).

As the provider of the admissions programme, PreP manages a range of services: 

• Programme material development
• Case study and workshop activity development
• Examination setting
• Assessment and examination marking
• Workshop facilitation
• Managing the online community
   

The challenge
In 2004 PreP was looking for a long-term partner to manage materials development and co-ordinate a team of 25 writers, reviewers and moderators. Their audience are exacting professionals with their post graduate studies being important to them and their employers, so getting the program right is of the utmost importance.

The solution
Synapsys has been engaged as the Institute’s development partner since 2004. Over the years we’ve run a development process that delivers a consistent, innovative, quality learning experience. We’ve also succeeded in refining the development process to maximise value and make the best use people’s time. Highlights include:

• Developed a robust blended learning model that combines print self-study, eLearning, interactive multimedia and workshop experiences
• Designed and developed the facilitator delivery resources that ensure coherent simultaneous delivery of over 30 workshops to around 900 candidates
• Developed and refined custom templating tools to ensure consistency over an  international writing team
• Hosted and maintained a document management system used to manage production of all print resources (SharePoint)
• Developed and supported delivery of over 15 writers workshops and support resources
• Designed and supported delivery of training to over 90 facilitators, twice a year for eight years
• Conducted annual programme reviews and made recommendations for on-going programme improvement
• Leveraging the strengths of the programme into the vision for a Trans-Tasman delivery model.
   

The benefit
A strong relationship with Synapsys has ensured the quality of the learning experience has grown from year to year. We have supported the use of more innovative delivery methodologies, and grown facilitator capability to deliver an innovative programme that blends academic rigour with educational excellence.

The programme’s high completion rate and strong reputation in the business community has led to strong growth in enrolments year on year.  The PreP model is internationally recognised, and now forms the foundation of a proposed trans-Tasman joint Capstone Module.