HAVING VIEWED the first video course on exports produced by Shaun Lake in association with Africa Growth Network when it was launched a few years ago, the arrival of its now accredited import counterpart was received by FTW with great anticipation.
The export course has been used again and again in these offices to provide an overview for the uninitiated. The import course not only lived up to but exceeded expectation, with experience of the medium adding polish to the package.
Not only will ÔUnderstanding Imports' eliminate the time taken to educate new employees on the vast implications of import and import control but students can look forward to a thought-provoking and attention-grabbing presentation.
Eight modules encompass the entire concept of the business, and though these occupy almost five hours of viewing time, they give a complete and accurate picture of what is needed in handling imports, often covering subject areas omitted by the on-the-spot tutor.
Training a newcomer in this respect can be time absorbing to the established operator. The videos do it all, releasing the tutor to carry on with his daily routine.
Of vital knowledge to the newcomer is the matter of financial considerations when dealing with clients, and of understanding the ramifications of foreign exchange and the constant change in exchange rates as these affect the imported goods and the client.
In this respect international freight considerations are dealt with fully, including the actions needed in working as a Multimodal Transport Operator (MTO), clarifying clearly the documentation required in the carriage of goods by at least two different modes of transport.
It is in areas such as this that on-hand instruction by a fellow worker often misses out and where the video education system scores.
Import risk management is another area well covered, and one which is often not clarified in the normal schooling of newcomers.
The verdict from our reviewer, Leonard Neill, a resounding thumbs up.
