Online learning, innovation and knowledge management are examined as emerging tools for both enterprises and educational organizations. The value of developing intellectual capital is highlighted, as are the conceptual and practical issues for developing expertise. The author argues that educational institutions have certain inherent advantages and some disadvantages for the professional development of their employees, and that the optimum response lies in the integration of well tested techniques: self-profiling, personal development planning, the development of an individual curriculum vitae and systematic staff appraisal. To secure support for development, it is suggested that the focus for professional self-development should be on building competencies that are aligned with the institutional or industrial need, since this will bring the organization key benefits such as more students, improved quality, greater financial contributions, etc. In those circumstances in which support is not achievable, the opportunities offered by access to the Internet mean that professional development can continue through online learning and electronic networking.
The Personal Development Planning Cycle
