As in previous years, this year’s batch of Excellence in Practice cases has once again showcased a fascinating array of outstanding practices, presenting a significant challenge for the juries in selecting the award winners. This volume features these cases, demonstrating the diversity of submissions received from organisations worldwide. We hope you enjoy reading and find the cases inspiring. We also invite you to submit your own projects for the next round of submissions in 2025.
Each year, the Excellence in Practice awards provide us with a privileged look at the current state of the learning and development sector, as well as insights into its future direction. In this respect, the 2024 Executive Development Conference ‘Learning 2025’ will be an interesting addition, aiming to create a picture of how the sector and its practices are evolving. When reviewing the submissions, we can generally state that we are in the business of delivering programmes or journeys that include courses, content, and exercises. Additionally, we incorporate interactions, experiences, and guidance (such as mentoring and coaching). We also take pride in our infrastructure and experts.
Interestingly, the cases refer twice as often to the individuals addressed than to the organisations to which these individuals belong, where the impact of the intervention is supposed to be generated. This dominant focus on individual participants is also reflected in the impact indicators, which again led to some critical reflections by jury members this year (see also last year’s introduction to the Global Focus Supplement on EiP for further analysis).
The propositions predominantly address both cultural and process challenges in organisations. In the next tier, we see the building of strategies and the development of capabilities. Further down the list, there is a recent focus on societal concerns, along with traditional themes such as leadership, transformation, and business-related challenges. The case descriptions pay considerable attention to painting a picture of value propositions that are innovative, collaborative, personalised, impactful, sustainable, strategic, engaging, diverse, trustworthy, and adaptable. However, with respect to technology and the people involved in delivering these solutions, there are no real surprises in comparison to previous years. Interestingly, building partnerships or supplying ecosystems remains a weak spot for our sector.
We hope you enjoy reading the subset of cases featured in this magazine and find them inspiring. We also invite you to submit your own practices for the next round of submissions in 2025. Thank you for your attention and support.
See other articles from Excellence in Practice 2024.
