DIGITAL EDUCATION TO SOUTH AFRICA Moving into the future
PRINT, THE YEAR DIGITAL OR THAT WAS SOMEWHERE INBETWEEN? TODAY’S BUSINESS, THE TOMORROW HUMAN FACTOR
Q1 | 2016 EDITOR’S NOTE
PEARSON elcome to Pearson, Executive producer South Africa’s first ever Zodwa Pakade internal magazine written Editor especially for you. We Ursula Ndhlovu Wthought we’d end off 2015 with an overview of This publication was produced on the different developments in each key business behalf of Pearson by ITWeb. area as well as a peek into the various business ITWeb units’ plans to attain their objectives for the Publisher year to come. Jovan Regasek Within the pages of this publication, Pearson Editorial director South Africa CEO Riaan Jonck talks about the Ranka Jovanovic group successes of 2015 and the great strides Project editor that Pearson South Africa intends to make Alison Job in 2016. As the way that people consume Contributing writers Alison Job, Chana Boucher, information evolves, Pearson keeps pace by Joanne Carew, James Francis, constantly updating the way that we deliver Lesley Stones, Monique Verduyn knowledge to learners. Our striving to remain Copy editor Patricia Czakan at the forefront of trends assures Pearson’s position as a leading education provider in Design Infiltrate Media South Africa, and indeed the world. Cover design We take a look at the trends and insights Zack Hoosen that Pearson is seeing on the frontline of Photography Learning Services, and how these are being Karolina Komendera, Sean Wilson implemented in learning materials as well as Sales director Robert Mace within the company itself. [email protected] The article about Human Resources at Business development director: Print Pearson South Africa outlines the changes that Caryn Berman the company has undergone over the past year [email protected] and how the restructuring is for the ultimate Production manager Sindiso Khupe good of the business. Digital development There’s also discussion around the Marko Belic, Ana Golijanin, #feesmustfall campaign and the impact that Nebosja Knezevic, Stevan Srdic, it had on the MGI and CTI campuses. The Nenad Marjanovic campaign resulted in a rethink about how fees All of the above hinge off Sales, and the past year Subscription manager Carrie-Ann Waldeck would be structured for 2016, and this article has seen increasing focus on customer satisfaction, [email protected] explains the thinking behind this. key to which is ongoing interaction with customers We move on to take a look at the policy to establish exactly what they want and need. Our Published by ITWeb limited www.itweb.co.za space that Pearson South Africa operated success over the past year is testimony to the in during 2015, and the role that Corporate 326 Rivonia Boulevard, Rivonia, 2128 success of this strategy, which is expected to stand PO Box 2785, Rivonia, 2128 Affairs played in addressing the key issues Sales in good stead into 2016. Tel: +27 (0) 11 807-3294 that arose. There’s also discussion around the We’ve also dedicated six pages to Seen on the Fax: +27 (0) 11 807-2020 impact that these had on our customers and scene, a social section. This is largely a visual feature Printing partners, and how this was managed. with photographic and brief editorial coverage of Paarl Media Paarl The past year was a difficult one financially key Pearson events, showing our colleagues at their for Pearson South Africa, but the Finance and best and having fun. Also featuring colleagues is In Copyright © 2015 by Pearson. All Operations business unit implemented cost the spotlight, which profiles several Pearson South rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or streamlining measures that bode well for the Africa employees and tells readers a little bit more distributed in any form or by any company in 2016. about them and their lives. means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the Technology is core to everything that We hope that you enjoy reading about our prior written permission of the Pearson does, and the Technology business company. published. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily saw 2015 as a watershed year, with great things those of the editors or publishers. to come in 2016 that will enable even better Ursula Ndhlovu delivery of content to learners. Editor
Pearson 2016 1
THE YEAR THAT WAS The way that society consumes 4information is steadily changing from printed materials to electronic, and Pearson is also continually evolving. By Lesley Stones
PRINT, DIGITAL OR SOMEWHERE INBETWEEN? 6The delivery of education materials is caught in a gap between the physical and the virtual worlds. By Lesley Stones
THE HUMAN FACTOR It’s often said that a business is only 8as good as its people, so for the company to move forward this vital asset needs to be managed properly. Enter Human Resources. By Chana Boucher CONTENTS
A YEAR OF LANDMARKS AND LESSONS 10 National strikes that recently disrupted universities across the country had little impact on the higher education institutes run by Pearson South Africa. By Lesley Stones TODAY’S BUSINESS, IN THE SPOTLIGHT TOMORROW Pearson South Africa asks 12 The only thing that is 20 some of its staffers five constant, is change. simple questions. By Alison Job
HIGHS AND LOWS AND COMPETITION PAGE 2016 Enter our competition 14 It’s been a difficult year for 22 and win an exciting prize Pearson, but ongoing cost reduction sponsored by Vodacom. and operational streamlining bode well for the future. By Monique Verduyn
A TECHNOLOGY SOCIAL SCENE WATERSHED A visual representation 16 2015 had its share of victories 23 of some of the events and challenges, yet the year may also attended by Pearson South Africa be a watershed in the company’s over the past year. technology-powered future. By James Francis
CUSTOMER SERVICE PAYS OFF 18 Creating customer value, satisfaction and loyalty is central to a solid sales strategy. By Monique Verduyn GROUP OVERVIEW Photography by Sean Wilson
he past year has been a Riaan Jonck, chief executive officer, challenging one with a Pearson South Africa slow-down in K12 orders at a provincial level, according Tto Riaan Jonck, CEO of Pearson South Africa. “We have, however, made significant strides in getting closer to the provinces and understanding the causes of this slowdown. The mooted one- textbook policy led to a reluctance in provinces putting in top-up orders and instead settling outstanding debt and moving budgets into teacher salaries. “Even in this tough market environment, our market share has remained constant and we retained our market leader position.”
A DIGITAL STRATEGY Pearson South Africa’s digital strategy was firmly cemented by several projects in 2015. Every government-approved textbook that Pearson South Africa prints is now available digitally. They are device-agnostic and can be used on any platform. They also have embedded features to make the content far richer. Science books, for example, have videos embedded to show the results of mixing chemicals together, or a 3D image of the heart so students can zoom in and follow the blood vessels. Since maths, science and English literacy are the core subjects that prepare students for their entire lives, Pearson South Africa is focusing on THE YEAR that content first. Its Learning Services Business introduced the Vuma Literacy Project in 2015, designed to get students THAT WAS literate in their own language before they transition to English. The books are aimed at grades 1-5, to catch young The way that society consumes information brains early, and are available in print or in digital format for those schools is steadily changing from printed materials to equipped to use them. electronic, and Pearson is also continually evolving. Vuma books come in English, Zulu and Xhosa, and all 11 official languages Written by Lesley Stones will be covered, most of them within three years.
4 Pearson 2015
ASSESSING KNOWLEDGE too late to intervene with extra tuition. in which the organisation could improve Another development in 2015 was Proof of concept trials for Pulse in some their experience. The list mainly covered Pearson’s Test and Improve Programme. Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal schools have softer issues such as requesting sporting This focuses on maths and uses flash shown encouraging results, and Pearson is fixtures with public universities, so that is cards to test whether a pupil’s knowledge working with the Department of Education being arranged. is up to the required standard for their to develop a national strategy to roll it out to grade. Intervention material to boost any school with the facilities to handle it. LOOKING FORWARD their skills is available if the tests highlight “We’ll intensify our execution of the B-BBEE any specific weaknesses. IMPROVED LEARNER OUTCOMES strategy as the Amended Codes of Good The tests are being introduced for grades To prove that digital learning works, 2015 Practice are introduced,” says Jonck. “This 3-4 first, when most children start learning saw every student who enrolled at a will drive the necessary transformation maths in English, which probably isn’t their Pearson Higher Education campus receive all across the business. We are further excited first language. “That’s a hurdle, so this is their books pre-loaded onto a tablet. They about the Brand project that kicks off a committed effort to make sure literacy, can submit assignments electronically and globally on 4 January 2016. maths and science are seen as a package of receive feedback online from their lecturers. “As Pearson makes the shift to becoming problems that we can address.” Test and The method isn’t only boosting student a full service education company, we’ll be Improve trials have been run in Gauteng, the outcomes, it’s also providing an excellent adjusting our structure and focus locally Free State and Kwazulu-Natal, and pupils platform to show what Pearson is have shown impressive improvements in managing to achieve, in the hope that it will their understanding of maths. help strengthen government support for digital schools. DELIVERING CONTENT “We have taken government officials to “Even in this Educational material is no longer only about our Midrand campus and shown them how the actual content, but about how it is it works, saying this is the improvement we tough market presented to the learner, Jonck says. “We have seen since the print model and this have started making sure content is piped to is how we can make it work in schools,” environment, the learner in the most successful manner by Jonck says. putting it into Pulse, a Learner Management The biggest hurdle is the cost of digital our market share System that has been developed globally.” devices, and Pearson is engaging with the Pulse will be launched in early 2016 after Department of Education to find a workable has remained intensive development work in 2015. solution. “We want to show that the benefit “It’s a framework that we hang all the of investing in digital far outweighs the costs constant.” pieces on to complete the picture. The of equipping the schools because of its content is given in bite-sized chunks that capabilities, and we want the government to Riaan Jonck, Pearson South Africa the students engage with before they know it’s money well spent,” Jonck says. move on to the next piece. Then Test and Improve makes sure they understand ADDRESSING FEES CONCERNS it, and a teacher training part sits behind In Pearson’s higher education campuses, to reflect this. As we work with the DBE it to make sure teachers are capable of the #FeesMustFall campaign had no on LMS, this builds up a strategic channel delivering in the digital world. It’s not chalk major impact, although two positive for Pearson with significant opportunities and talk, it’s a facilitated classroom into a outcomes were achieved. Firstly, Pearson for our business. In the Direct Delivery digital world,” Jonck says. “Learners sit with introduced a scheme to guarantee environment, we’ve begun the work to a tablet, a laptop or a PC and engage with returning students a place next year at optimise our campuses and ensure that we much richer content that they can interact the same price as the current year if they provide the best learning experience for our with and take tests.” pay an R800 deposit. That will allow them students and continue to grow. One of the best features is that the to do a three-year course for the same “I’m really proud of our performance in interactive material shows how far a student price as their entry year. Meetings with the Growth Awards, and congratulate all is along the learning journey more effectively student representative councils also saw the people and teams nominated, as well than traditional end-of-term tests, when it’s Pearson ask the students to suggest ways as our winners.”
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LEARNING SERVICES Photography by Sean Wilson
One exciting development is an extensive trial conducted in Kwazulu-Natal, where Pearson South Africa has supplied tablets pre-loaded with electronic content to rural and urban schools. “We divided learners into groups for e-learning and groups that remained in the print environment. We tested them at the beginning, before we launched the PRINT, DIGITAL e-learning products and plotted their progress. Because we isolated them from OR SOMEWHERE other learners, we can definitely attribute all the progress to the interventions we are making,” says Wafawarowa. INBETWEEN? Reports analysing the results will help to guide the shape of Pearson’s future efforts to drive e-learning.
The delivery of education materials is caught in a DOES E-LEARNING EQUAL SMARTER LEARNERS? gap between the physical and the virtual worlds. Wafawarowa is confident the results will prove a direct correlation between Written by Lesley Stones e-learning and better learner outcomes, especially in the vital subjects of maths, science and English. Many institutes are asking to see the he old world of printed environment and see how it responds.” report to assess whether there is evidence textbooks is full of inherent Wafawarowa says Pearson is ahead of that e-learning produces smarter students. flaws that digital content can the curve in understanding what e-learning That isn’t always the case, even in more address, but the shift in mindset should look like, but is held back because advanced countries, because e-learning Tand the skills and equipment needed to the market isn’t ready. It has developed a often describes something as simple a book capitalise on the opportunities are not yet Pearson Basket of Services, and can pick in PDF format that you read on a screen, widespread enough to drive the change. out components according to the clients’ without the interactive supporting features Pearson’s Learning Services division is needs, he says. Textbooks converted into Pearson is developing. working to lead that evolution. But it will electronic format are only a tiny part of the “We came up with assessment solutions, take time, and meanwhile, the limbo has hit basket, since the true value lies in adding progress management tools and content the division’s performance and necessitated previously impossible content and services. and administration modules, and we also some structural changes of its own. They include learner management systems learned that the needs are different for that allow learners to complete activities different organisations,” Wafawarowa A DIGITAL JOURNEY and get instant feedback. Teachers can says. “The tests confirm that the type of The main plan for 2016 is to continue to immediately see how each learner is faring learning we’ve been implementing has champion the shift from print into digital by their response to different questions. improved learner outcomes.” The trials content, and to provide the right materials, The system can check individual progress also transformed some previously reluctant says Brian Wafawarowa, Pearson South against where a learner should be in the teachers into champions of e-learning. Africa’s executive director of Learning curriculum, and come up with remedial The experiment was equally valuable Services. “We’re on a digital journey and interventions to move lagging learners back for Learner Solutions, by giving its staff our definitive products – our interactive on track. practical experience with real kids and real resources – are ready to go to market. Our For schools with erratic bandwidth and teachers in varied conditions. “We wanted assessment tools and learner management electricity, content can be preloaded on to find out if what we’re doing and what systems are ready, and next year we’ll take laptops or other mobile devices so learning we believe in does indeed enhance learner the full e-learning system into the education can still take place when there is no power. outcomes. We used independent assessors,
6 Pearson 2015 and if the results come out positive, we’ll Brian Wafawarowa, executive director: stick to our model of implementation and Learning Services, Pearson South Africa advise our clients to take it up. If there are areas where things didn’t go as well as we thought, we’ll review those areas to improve the model.” In 2016, the content and learner management systems will be launched into the market, more learning material prototypes will be turned into saleable products and new prototypes will be developed. That costs a lot of money, and before the tests, it was largely based on assuming what people need and investing heavily to create it.
THE ECONOMY AND EDUCATION But Pearson’s readiness to tackle a market that is moving very slowly has taken its toll. “One challenge we have faced is lower than expected expenditure in the school environment, where money allocated for the acquisition of teaching materials wasn’t spent in quite a lot of provinces. Our sales are down substantially,” Wafawarowa says. “We’re maintaining market share and even growing it, but doing so in a shrinking environment” The key need is to convince the state that printed materials can no longer solve our schooling problems, but that investing in digital content would help to resolve many of the long-standing issues, instead of patching the problems with yesterday’s solutions. Meanwhile, Learning Services is reviewing its own infrastructure and operations. “Once this change takes place, it calls for a rethink of the way we do business. We have had an idea for a long time of what “We’re on a digital journey and that model will look like and we have tried to reach it without any direct interventions, our definitive products – our but by evolving towards that.” He doesn’t expect retrenchments, but interactive resources – are if people leave jobs that are no longer relevant in a digital future, they are not ready to go to market.” replaced. “We’re trying to take advantage Brian Wafawarowa, Pearson South Africa of the advent of the digital era to have another look at how our teams operate. We hope to slip into it rather than be trimmed into it,” he says.
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HR Photography by Sean Wilson
Alice Bhebhe, hange is never easy for an executive director: Human Resources, organisation’s employees, but Pearson South Africa change they must at Pearson as the South African arm Cmoves to align its systems and processes with its international counterparts. Alice Bhebhe, executive director of Human Resources at Pearson South Africa, looks to 2016 as the year in which the company will successfully make the transition. “Our division achieved its main goals in 2015, which included supporting the simplification of the company’s processes, aligning the value proposition as an employee and contributing towards to growth of the company,” she says. Further, Bhebhe explains that 2015 has seen Pearson South African aligning itself with global practices to ensure that all employees get the same experience across the globe. This has included cleaning up employee data, revisiting and refining workflows and aligning the direct- delivery side of the business to the rest of the company. The HR division has been working furiously to introduce two new systems, Taleo and Fusion, which will be rolled out soon and are expected to streamline most practices. According to Bhebhe, Taleo is an online global recruitment system that will not only streamline the recruitment process, but also help manage people data better.
WORK IN PROGRESS THE HUMAN Some of the other highlights Bhebhe mentions from the past year include reviewing the culture and values within the FACTOR company. She says diversity workshops, which proved to be a benefit in bringing together employees across business areas It’s often said a business is only as good as its and backgrounds, were held to reinforce people, so for the company to move forward the business’ culture of embracing diversity. Another important area of development this vital asset needs to be managed properly. has been organisational restructuring to Enter Human Resources. allow for transformation and ultimately company growth. In the process, Written by Chana Boucher Bhebhe says new ways of working were introduced. “Change management was key as we moved into the matrix structure and
8 Pearson 2015
A WINNING PAIR
Taleo, the global system of choice vacancies throughout Pearson. reports and dashboards from a single for Pearson, will change the way • It gives the recruiter one source source. It will provide: recruitment is managed. Not only does of candidate information, process • A self-service, online approach to it expose South African employees status and approvals, meaning managing personal information. to the global recruitment procedure, increased efficiency as well as ease • An HR information tool for but it also drives accountability, a key of reporting and decision-making. employee life-cycle transactions value at Pearson. Taleo is part of the • Senior leadership benefits from and information reporting, Oracle suite of products and is used improved data accuracy and including transparent job profiles by thousands of companies around the enhanced reporting to drive and grades for individuals, a new world. So, what does it do? informed decision-making. Taleo also induction experience and absence • The hiring manager will have greater significantly improves the tracking of management. control of the recruitment process all pre-employment checks. • Leave requests for employees. and possibly additional support from • A leave reporting system for line Pearson People Services. Meanwhile, the HR information managers to help with workforce • Employees will be able to view system, Fusion, will offer HR data, planning.
streamlined processes.” With people development and “We will continue to enable learning being a huge focus for Pearson, it’s no surprise that Human Resources the growth of the company, devoted significant attention in this area. According to Bhebhe, broad-based black transforming the ways we economic empowerment is another of her division’s priorities and influences work to achieve results.” the development plans to ensure they Alice Bhebhe, Pearson South Africa support what the company needs to achieve to be sustainable. Furthermore, HR also encouraged all Pearson employees to engage in the learning opportunities afforded to them. “I have been highly transforming the ways we work to is pooled into One Pearson. But she impressed with the learning culture. achieve results. This is something that admits that it is not always easy to move The uptake to the learning interventions never comes to an end. We will also from one way of working to another. offered has been amazing,” says Bhebhe. continue to streamline processes, make “We need to work smarter so we can This year has largely been about information readily available for decision- lessen the stress. We need to work in aligning Pearson South Africa’s structures making and build a diverse culture that an efficient way, so we will continue to to the business strategy for growth, promotes inclusivity,” says Bhebhe. make improvements to enhance our while 2016 will be about implementation efficiencies,” says Bhebhe. and the continuation of successful DOING IT RIGHT She urges all staff members to projects. Aside from the rolling out of For Bhebhe, the role of HR is to enable the understand that the changes are Taleo and the new HR system, Fusion, right people in the right place and create an happening for the right reason: so that the division will keep pushing successful environment that is conducive for them to Pearson continues to be number one. “I initiatives. These include aligning career thrive as human beings, not workers. “It’s believe we’ve got the best people and we frameworks across the business, driving not just about business, it extends to the appreciate the work that is being done the online integrated performance and bigger context,” she adds. and the long hours put in to help us get to reward programme and the delivery of Her hopes for the year ahead are to where we want to be. We need all hands accredited training. “We will continue start seeing the processes and ways of on deck to transform the organisation,” to enable the growth of the company, working being embedded as the business concludes Bhebhe.
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EDUCATION Photography by Sean Wilson
Mark Cunnington, executive director: Direct Delivery (MGI and CTI), Pearson South Africa
A YEAR OF LANDMARKS AND LESSONS
National strikes that hile some students MGI and CTI fees are slightly higher than expressed regular universities, but with no government recently disrupted solidarity with grants to support its students or any universities across the #feesmustfall funding for the centres themselves, Pearson Wcampaign, no lectures or exams at the must innovate to remain affordable. the country had little 13 MGI and CTI campuses were derailed impact on the higher by the national discontent. SUPPORTING STUDENTS education institutes Pearson South Africa runs its higher Pearson South Africa offers financial education centres on five principles, of schemes through scholarships based run by Pearson South which affordability is one, says Direct on academic merit, assistance with loan Africa. Delivery executive director Mark applications and deferred payment schemes Cunnington. The heads of campus met the where students who are close to graduating Written by Lesley Stones student representative council during the can pay a small monthly fee and pay the #feesmustfall campaign, and agreed that bulk of their fees once they have a job. In students can study next year for the same 2015, 600 students took that opportunity. fee as 2015 if they re-register by the end of Those schemes and scholarships help to December and pay an R800 deposit. About ensure that more students can afford to three quarters of its students have already enrol and complete their studies. taken that option to avoid a fee increase. The students are aware that CTI and Those who don’t re-register in MGI aren’t publicly funded so they expect advance will pay a fee that will increase a high level of service delivery and are slightly, although below the inflation rate, prepared to pay for it. Cunnington says, while fees for new students will rise in “They’ve made their choice of where to line with inflation. study and we hope it’s because of the
10 Pearson 2015 courses and the environment we provide.” also quite challenging, Cunnington says. country to deliver people who are well Students at state-run universities may He would recommend that any other qualified and highly employable. be one of 600 people in a lecture hall, division planning large changes should but MGI and CTI classes rarely exceed focus on executing a small number CAREER DEVELOPMENT 40 to 50. That has probably helped of critical projects exceptionally well, In the coming year, the core strategy to protect it against disruptions by rather than over-stressing the staff and will remain focused on the five pillars dissatisfied students who feel they are the business with too many competing of accessibility, affordability, technology, paying too much for too little. projects at once. “Trying to do them all employability and academic qualifications. “You get a very different, more within six months was too much and we One exciting step will be opening personalised learning environment with made some mistakes along the way, and seven Employability Centres to support plenty of attention in the classroom and that can impact normal operations. Be the employability goal. These centres campus, which differentiates us from public- very clear about the impact of some of will be staffed by career advisors and funded universities,” Cunnington says. those big undertakings and give yourself equipped with physical and virtual He believes government could potentially time to execute them brilliantly.” resources to help people with their offer cheaper education because it has the The changes were all necessary career decisions and skills development. money in its budget, but chooses to spend because research among the students Another project is to roll out a national it on other things. South Africa invests very raised flags that some of the previous student academic induction programme little on higher education compared to ways of engaging with them were no across all its campuses. Each campus other African countries, although it spends longer adequate. “You have to start has previously been left to design its the most per capita on education as a responding to those things if you want own academic induction programme, whole. That money is going into schools, to build customer loyalty and retention. but the student support team has now yet the poor results do not reflect much We had to respond, but in hindsight, devised a uniform two-week induction return on investment. perhaps we didn’t have to do it as quickly programme. “We’ve structured it to
BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION During the past year, the MGI and CTI operations underwent several transformations that were all necessary but which, in hindsight, should have been “You get a very different, more better phased, Cunnington says. The changes came after research into the personalised learning environment, student lifecycle to see how processes could be improved. with high attention in the classroom Its sales and business development divisions were transformed and the and campus, which differentiates us incentive and remuneration structures changed for 300 people. from publicly funded universities.” A customer relationship management Mark Cunnington, Pearson South Africa system was installed, and the call centre outsourced to a national expert to raise the quality of engagement with students. To help attract and retain students, a series of entertaining events was as we attempted. The critical thing is we give our students the best possible organised for existing and potential did respond to our student needs and introduction, because entering a higher students and their sponsors. The are laying foundations for an exceptional education environment can be a very organisation also stepped up its social student experience.” daunting process,” Cunnington says. media presence, which has led to a The institutes want to retain In the longer term, the campuses are significant increase in the number students until they complete their also working towards being rebranded of potential students requesting qualifications, because that’s good for as the Pearson Institute of Higher information. revenue and cheaper than attracting Education, due for completion for the Those projects were all successful but new students. It’s also good for the 2017 academic year.
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CORPORATE AFFAIRS Photography by Karolina Komendera
education market, we’ve been able to evolve our strategy even ahead of government policy. Our Learning Services teams have created products and assets that we’re able to introduce into the education market. In addition, we’re relieved that the one- TODAY’S BUSINESS, textbook policy has not come into full swing, and, in the meantime, we’re preparing for such an eventuality.” TOMORROW The one book per subject, per grade, per language would have meant that pupils across South Africa would use the same textbook The only thing that is its stakeholders, such as government, and study material. parents, learners, teachers, partners and constant, is change. the community, on why Pearson has been The key pillars for Pearson South Africa’s a leading education brand for so many Corporate Affairs team include: Written by Alison Job years. This has been achieved in part by • Creating and managing stakeholder value building solid relationships and by a 200 • Driving sustainable business growth percent increase in quality public relations, • Positioning Pearson as a good corporate he past year has seen says Pakade. “Teams across Pearson South citizen through its Social Impact many changes at Pearson Africa have been positioned as subject • Positioning Pearson as a trusted education South Africa, ranging from matter experts with quality opinion partner partnerships to policy. Zodwa pieces into the mainstream media and the • Embedding a culture of digital across the TPakade, executive director of Corporate education sector.” organisation. Affairs at Pearson South Africa, says one of the biggest highlights has been setting CHANGING LIVES TALKING ABOUT PEARSON up and building strategic partnerships with “The focus on broad-based black economic While marketing campaigns and advertising key partners in government, state-owned empowerment, with clear targets per are often important to raise awareness enterprises, private sector and institutions element, has resulted in an improvement with customers, in a market where the of learning. “We’re aware that as we from a B-BBEE Level 8 to an impressive sales environment is business-to-business, progress our strategy, we won’t be able to Level 5 in 2015 for the Learning Services there’s a need to build strong and strategic grow on our own, so partnerships are key,” business,” says Pakade. “As we conclude relationships both before and after the says Pakade. Project Progress for MGI and CTI, customer has signed a deal. In many cases, Pearson South Africa this programme will accelerate in that “It’s key for us to understand intimately has made the transition from a supplier of environment and will ensure strategic our customers’ challenges and strategies, textbooks looking for orders and payments, growth over time.” and build a roadmap with them to deliver on to a partner in building policy and executing The B-BBEE programme has enabled their vision. This means that our relationship quality for the education system. Pakade Pearson South Africa to look both internally with the Sales and Learning Services teams adds, “We set out to position Pearson as a and externally at the business, and put plans cannot be separated. Building these customer trusted partner in education, and I believe in plans to ensure it transforms the lives of relationships takes time, and we cannot we’ve done that in a very real sense. all South Africans that are within its ambit. afford to ‘speak at’ them or short-circuit “From a strategy perspective, we’ve “Government and state-owned enterprises relationship-building because of our own been able to work out clear business are doing business with companies at a Level sales timeline,” says Pakade. “As a trusted models for our emerging strategy pillars. 4 and better, and we need to ensure we are partner, we’re creating longer term, stickier We’ve responded to the slow-down in reaching these levels,” she says. managed services deals, instead of beginning K12 orders by getting engaged at strategic each year at zero.” levels in the provinces to understand the SHAPING FORCES nuances in each environment.” Pakade explains that the aim of Corporate BRAND VALUE Over the past year, Pearson South Africa Affairs is to shape, support and enable “We’ve spent the past 24-36 months has managed to solidify its leadership the Pearson strategy in South Africa. She building a One Pearson brand,” says Pakade. position in education and has educated says, “With Pearson’s experience in the “We’ve revamped Neo and are looking
12 Pearson 2015
Zodwa Pakade, “I’m especially excited executive director: Corporate Affairs, that we’ve made strides Pearson South Africa in engagement with DBE and Provinces on Learner Management Systems,” forward to more employees sharing their says Pearson South Africa’s experiences through blogs and updates. Zodwa Pakade. “This We’ve relaunched the Pearson South increase in engagement is Africa website. As we participate in key a real sign of achievement industry events, we’re ensuring that our for Corporate Affairs and Sales, Learning Services, Innovation and Pearson, as it gives us first Technology teams have the ability to entry into the main channel articulate the value propositions we’ve for digital education. Our developed together and drive customer- experience has taught us centric solutions and engagements.” the value of building solid Going forward into 2016, priority will be relationships and shared given to the relaunch of the Pearson brand value, instead of chasing in South Africa. Pakade clarifies, “We know quick wins. I'm looking that we currently have low brand awareness, forward to engaging further especially in the sectors where we want with the DBE, provinces to grow. We’re still seen as a traditional and other potential partners publisher and we need to build our brand on the up-sell opportunity as a provider of digital education and other for content, assessments, services such as testing and teacher training. teacher training and change “We’re also excited about rebranding management." MGI and CTI under the Pearson banner. To this end, employee engagement is key, as is the creation of 1 700 Pearson South Africa ambassadors. We have a responsibility to remain true to our brand promise and values.”
DRIVING TRANSFORMATION The Department of Trade and Industry “It’s key for us to understand has published the Amended Codes of Good Practice, and Pearson South Africa intimately our customers’ is aware that it needs to be fully compliant, while also driving full transformation for the challenges and strategies, and build business. “We’ve put plans in place to ensure that this transformation becomes the way a roadmap with them to deliver we do business, not only to get a B-BBEE certificate with which to trade. Social Impact on their vision.” Zodwa Pakade, Pearson South Africa is a key focus that is integrated in the B-BBEE programme and we’re keen to see the results of the programmes in flight and how we expand these over time,” says Pakade. Pakade’s division is currently under- Finally, advocacy, public relations and “All of our employees participate resourced and she says that a key focus external communication will continue to with enthusiasm in our volunteerism will be to ensure Corporate Affairs has the drive Corporate Affairs’ function, especially programmes. However, we’ve needed to be right calibre of talent to take its strategy as Pearson South Africa transitions into new more focused with Social Impact, ensuring forward and take responsibility for market spaces. “We’ve completed a digital we don’t invest in programmes that will have Pearson’s market performance alongside strategy to support the communication little relevance for our local communities. its sister-portfolios. She says, “We’ve been and marketing strategies, and I have no So we’re training districts with PMET, we’re in opening and closing keynote addresses doubt that this will enable improved training unemployed graduates, we’re of all key industry platforms, talking communication between colleagues, with developing literacy programmes and many education and e-learning, and we expect more conversational engagement rather more initiatives.” to build on this.” than broadcast,” concludes Pakade.
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FINANCE AND OPERATIONS Photography by Sean Wilson
Mike Ogden, executive director: Operations and Finance, Pearson South Africa HIGHS AND LOWS AND 2016
It’s a been a difficult year for Pearson, but ongoing cost reduction and operational streamlining bode well for the future.
Written by Monique Verduyn
he past year has been a tough HIGHLIGHTS AND CHALLENGES On the direct delivery side of the one to weather, with the The nine provinces, Pearson South Africa’s business, the company has had to deal with country coming alarmingly major customers, are unpredictable and the a drop in student numbers – from 13 000 close to losing its place as the playing field continues to change from year in 2012 to potentially just more than 10 000 Tsecond-biggest economy in Africa behind to year. The proposed single textbook plan in 2016. There are many reasons for the Nigeria. It’s predicted that South Africa’s for all schools nationally is just one example. reduced numbers, the greatest being the GDP output for 2015 could slip to $317 “Looking ahead, it’s likely that many lack of funding available to potential students billion, with GDP growth expected to be provinces will not be spending anything close in order for them to enter the higher around 1.5 percent. At the same time, to what they have in the previous financial education space. the economy has been battered by major year, even if the company receives late In addition, the rollout of a new business fluctuations in the exchange rate, with the orders before the year comes to an end,” development model, the late introduction of rand hitting all-time lows against the US says Ogden. “Likewise, our results from a sales commission scheme, and the launch dollar and Sterling in recent months. digital learning services will be significantly of a new outsourced call centre that was not It’s against this backdrop that Pearson lower than predicted in our original plan. We aligned with the closure of the in-house call South Africa’s sales have weakened, both can expect that austerity measures such as centre, all conspired to challenge the business in the learning services and traditional travel and other spending cuts will become in every possible way. On their own, each of publishing divisions of the business. the regular order of business.” these would have been taxing, Ogden notes. “Our strategy has been set back by On a more positive note, Pearson South In combination, the impact was harsh. slowing economic growth in South Africa, Africa has controlled operational expenses “On the upside, we have restructured and by unexpected cutbacks on textbook and implemented successful cost-saving the way we view our sales pipeline through spending in the country,” says Mike Ogden, measures. Gross profit percentages a more focused approach to schools that executive director for Operations and remained high on the back of last year’s have high levels of enrolment (Project Finance, Pearson South Africa. “At the same buffer stocking policy, which enabled the Focus),” he says. “This should enable us to time, we’re reshaping our business model in company to benefit from the sales of books move closer to our planned targets for line with the shift from print to digital.” at 2014 prices. 2016 and thereafter.”
14 Pearson 2015
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
“In addition, the direct delivery “Our Operations team is 4. The transfer of the Johannesburg management team is looking at rationalising committed to creating the insourced call centre to an out- the business’ operating expenses and highest level of efficiency possible sourced call centre with 80 agents various cost structures. We’re planning to within the organisation and to at WNS in Bellville, Cape Town. implement sustainable savings for 2016 and maximise profit. Together, the 5. The relocation of the Cape into 2017. Our main goal, over the next team faced many challenges Town head office, including 310 financial year, is to boost direct delivery during the year,” says Pearson employees, from Pinelands to the so that we can return to acceptable South Africa’s Mike Ogden. refurbished AAA grade Media profitability levels by 2018.” City building in the Foreshore Here are the highlights: precinct. In addition to a more THE IMPACT OF THE RAND 1. The opening of the Midrand competitive monthly rental, staff Both Learning Services and Publishing Graduate Institute (MGI) can now work from an open plan, rely on a certain amount of imported main campus in Bedfordview, modern, attractive building that is publications. Higher education textbooks, Johannesburg. also central. in particular, have increased significantly in 2. The opening of a residence at the 6. Pearson has made significant price and are testing the market. This will MGI campus, which can house progress in improving its require an investigation into pricing policies. 420 students. broad-based black economic “We did, however, negotiate a strong 3. The exit from two Johannesburg empowerment (B-BBEE) score supply deal with the company’s main printer head offices and the move of under the new codes of practice at the beginning of 2015, resulting in a sub- both to the Midrand MGI campus, when it comes to ownership and inflation percentage increase. This means resulting in reduced rental costs. preferential procurement. we’ve not yet been affected by the increase in the costs of paper,” says Ogden. “In the Direct Delivery business, certain overseas royalty payments have been adversely affected, but this is not a major contributor to decreasing profits.” “Our main goals over the next WHAT LIES AHEAD IN 2016? In the Publishing business, Pearson South financial year are to focus on the sales Africa expects further advances into digital as the move away from textbooks pipeline and cost structure in direct continues. Proofs of concepts (POCs) are being conducted in Kwazulu-Natal, the Free delivery so that we can return to State and Gauteng. These are functional systems for teachers and learners and it’s acceptable profitability levels by 2018, expected that they’ll be fully implemented over the next three years – in a joint and to continue to retain market venture with Telkom and the Department of Basic Education – at 1 670 schools across share in the print market and grow the these provinces. Mike Ogden, Pearson South Africa In the Direct Delivery business, Pearson digital offering.” South Africa will continue to optimise campus size, class size, and the overall student experience. It will also align its cost structure with the current level of students. The fact that 2016 is a provincial election education and skills,” says Ogden. “By Ongoing focus on the sales pipeline and year bodes well for the company as this continuing to meet some of South Africa’s cost structure will ensure that Pearson could lead to increased textbook buying. biggest education challenges we can build South Africa returns to the levels of “Despite the difficulties we confronted a stronger, agile, more profitable and faster profitability it’s accustomed to in this in 2015, Pearson is uniquely positioned to growing company with increased focus on marketplace within the next two years. help meet the national demand for better the student experience.”
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TECHNOLOGY Photography by Karolina Komendera
creation of new business processes and target models. It also helped lay the A TECHNOLOGY groundwork for more technological revolution. This is paralleled by the WATERSHED new campuses, which set innovations, such as softphones and video conferencing facilities, into place. This improvement was evident when Pearson South Africa opened its new headquarters in Cape Town. 2015 had its share of victories and challenges, yet Most of Pearson South Africa’s the year may also be a watershed in the company’s telephone communications, including its call centre, now use softphones. These technology-powered future. applications enable calls to be made over Pearson’s computer networks and blend Written by James Francis with other collaboration technologies. The South African head office is already home to a state-of-the-art video conferencing room, one of only two currently across Pearson’s global presence. arlier in 2015, Pearson cut the conscious of engaging Pearson’s users, “Softphones and technologies, such as ribbon on its new Bedfordview customers and suppliers.” Google Hangouts, have completely changed campus. It was a significant how meetings at Pearson are handled. moment, but not because this PLAN FOR CHANGE There is much more integration, which is Estate-of-the-art facility adds to Pearson’s Modern technology can bring incredible allowing the company to expand its services cachet as a leader of the educational changes to the table, some that need to in ways we couldn’t offer before.” industry. The campus is a marker in a be eased into. A case in point is when journey that began back in 2012, when Pearson South Africa replaced its ageing RESTRUCTURING LEARNING Pearson South Africa started investing in CRM system with Salesforce.com, a This will pick up even more pace in 2016. a future molded by technology. The new market-leading application that Pearson One example is the disparate timetables campus is a blueprint of what’s to come, South Africa can expand and thrive on. It in Pearson South Africa. Next year, these including the launches of similar sites in was a necessary and positive upgrade, yet will be unified under a single system, Pretoria, Potchefstroom and Durban the IT teams did not really allow users to which opens new possibilities –not during 2016. keep pace. the least being able to deliver remote But even if that future is being “A lesson we definitely learned in 2015 learning facilities. technology-shaped, it’s not technology- is not to do too much too quickly. The “On some of our campuses, there driven. Quite the opposite, says Nirvani Salesforce.com system was brought in aren’t enough students per subject to Dhevcharran, executive director of quite seamlessly, but we underestimated justify having a permanent lecturer. In Technology at Pearson South Africa: “We how much that change would impact the past, this would have meant shelving technologists are used to operating in everyone in the company. So we had that course until more interest is shown. the back office, putting down the digital a longer stabilisation period, but today But if we use a universal timetable that building blocks for business to use. But the transition has been a success,” says our video meeting systems can integrate success doesn’t happen in a vacuum, Dhevcharran. into, one lecturer can engage with many and during 2015 we became increasingly The shift was significant, initiating the classrooms at the same time.”
16 Pearson 2015
Nirvani Dhevcharran, executive director of Technology at Pearson South Africa PEARSON TECHNOLOGY IN 2015
• Introduced a new Salesforce. com CRM system to replace the outdated CRM systems in Pearson South Africa • Opened the landmark Bedfordview campus, laying the blueprint for more technologically advanced campuses across South Africa • Distributed over 5 000 tablets to learners, including 12 public schools in Kwazulu-Natal • Converted telephony systems, including the Pearson South Africa contact centre, to softphone technology for better and more cost-effective communication • Heavy investment in and deployment of video conferencing facilities, including one of two telepresence suites in Pearson Global.
communication with the rest of Pearson’s “We technologists are used user base. Projects such as the Salesforce. com implementation help us strengthen to operating in the back those relationships.” The excitement among Pearson South office, putting down the digital Africa’s technology staff is palpable: much of the past few years has been building blocks for business spent creating the foundation for this big technology push. Some are already Nirvani Dhevcharran, Pearson South Africa to use.” showing results that are changing how Pearson operates. Much of what the local team has accomplished is being absorbed into Pearson’s global IT strategy. Digital learning is a large part of library – improving access to these digital Yet, this is only the beginning, says Pearson’s education strategy. In 2015, materials is another area of focus in 2016 Dhevcharran: “In 2016, we will be the local chapter distributed over 5 000 for Dhevcharran and her team. introducing some game-changing tablet computers to learners – including technologies that not only help point to several public schools in Kwazulu-Natal. BETTER COMMUNICATION the future of Pearson, but the educational This momentum will continue in 2016 Pearson South Africa’s technologists market as a whole. But we couldn’t with at least 5 000 more tablets, as well have been growing more user-centric have done it without the support and as the introduction of Pearson’s own for a while, but 2015 demonstrated that collaboration of Pearson’s staff and partners. e-reader application. That in turn ties it’s an ongoing process: “The important It’s those relationships that make this journey into Pearson’s growing online resource thing is that we keep improving our meaningful and very exciting!”
Pearson 2015 17
SALES Photography by Karolina Komendera
earson is facing stiffer market conditions today than ever CUSTOMER before. The cornerstone of a successful sales strategy in such Pa demanding environment is customer SERVICE FOCUS service. Companies can win customer loyalty and improve profits only by meeting PAYS OFF or exceeding customer expectations. “One of the most constructive experiences of 2015 for Pearson South Africa was the improvement of our relationship with Van Creating customer value, satisfaction and loyalty Schaik, the largest specialist academic book is central to a solid sales strategy. chain in the country, and one of our biggest higher education customers,” says Alan Tait, Written by Monique Verduyn executive director: Sales, Pearson South Africa. “Through personal care, regular face-to-face meetings, and a commitment to increasing the company’s confidence in Pearson South Africa, we gained deep insight into Van Schaik’s wants and needs, and what was working in its favour, or not. The process was initiated towards the end of 2014, and we succeeded in raising Van Schaik’s customer satisfaction score from four to eight out of ten.”
LEARNING WHAT CUSTOMERS WANT Over the course of 2015, Pearson conducted customer satisfaction surveys with 15 top customers throughout the year. To ensure objectivity and fairness, the surveys were done by employees who have no involvement with these customers. “Stock availability and pricing remain key issues,” says Tait. “Typical problems that all publishers face include late delivery of books to stores and other customers, and we’ve made a concerted effort to improve turnaround times. One of the challenges in our business is to pre- empt the top-selling publications and ensure that we have enough stock on hand to meet customer demands timeously. It’s a constant battle to try to determine which titles will sell and which will gather dust in the warehouse.” When it comes to digital solutions users and customers, says Tait, they want to be assured that any problems they experience will be fixed as quickly as possible. In the classroom environment, when an e-book does not work, learning comes to a stop. Service level agreements (SLAs) are in Alan Tait, executive place to ensure speedy resolution of problems. director: Sales, Pearson South Africa “Our customer call centre has performed
18 Pearson 2015
TOP TARGETS FOR 2016 SALES HIGHLIGHTS more than 2 000 diagnostic assessments with In the higher education segment, one of students at ten of the 50 colleges. The data • To grow the rollout of Pearson the sales highlights for the year was the gathered from this exercise was presented South Africa’s learning management University of Pretoria’s decision to adopt to the Department of Higher Education in system (LMS) in the market, so it MyITLab as its interactive e-learning a workshop to determine students’ skills can provide schools and colleges platform for students. “The university levels and educational standards, particularly with all the information they need was running solutions provided by our concerning English and maths. in one central location. This will competitors, but once we demonstrated In the consumer business, Tait says the enable administrators to manage the functionality of MyITLab, the verdict relationship with Disney Publishing has been their schools and colleges, assess was conclusive. Despite the fact that successful. As the local representative of the student achievements, and provide MyITLab is a more expensive product, entertainment giant’s publishing arm, Pearson teachers and educators with a central we closed the deal based on ease of has seen incredible growth in sales of Disney repository for all educational content. use and after-sales support. This virtual products, with revenue growing by more • To grow and develop Pearson South classroom environment has helped to than 50 percent compared to 2014. Africa’s literacy programme, Vuma. position the university as a leader in the Pearson is one of the key partners in Authentically South African, it has online learning environment.” the Gauteng ‘paperless classroom’ drive, been created to inspire a love of Another highlight of the year is the work which entails the use of interactive boards, reading in children. Each story has that Pearson South Africa has done with mobile devices, such as tablets and laptops been individually developed around technical vocational and education training with internet connectivity to conduct the structure and vocabulary of the (TVET) colleges. A number of these teaching and learning. This partnership is language it was written for, with no colleges are engaging with the company to set to grow as the Gauteng Department translations. In 2016, Pearson South roll out effective digital solutions, learning of Education aims to close the use of Africa will add digital products to this services and content designed to ready chalk boards by the end of the 2017/2018 programme. students for the workplace. financial year. • To complement Pearson’s X-Kit “We’re creating solutions that are “My philosophy has always been, ‘trust study aids, study guides and exam practical and relevant to the TVET in the process and the results will take practice books, the X-Kit mobile environment, which include textbooks, care of themselves’,” says Tait. “That has app has been launched, and will be online tutorial systems, e-books and certainly proved to be a valuable approach further enhanced in 2016. The aim diagnostic assessment services. It’s an in the past 12-month period. We’ve been is to enable learners to access study exciting and rewarding space to be successful in selling and delivering new guides from their phones or online, so involved in right now,” adds Tait. products and services into the market, as that they have the books available in As part of the customer relationship the business continues to transform itself e-format, as well as textbook format. development process with the TVET from a textbook provider into a complete colleges, Pearson South Africa conducted education solution company.”
exceptionally well in taking care of customer queries and problems,” says Tait. “In a six- “We’re creating solutions that month period, the call centre received an amazing 140 000 product-related calls and are practical and relevant to the e-mails, all of which were attended to and resolved.” technical education and vocational Tait and his team also took time out in 2015 to meet with companies outside of training environment, which include the publishing sector to investigate how their customer-facing entities engage with textbooks, online tutorial systems, customers and to establish a benchmark for Pearson South Africa. “It was an educational e-books and diagnostic assessment exercise that we’re putting to good use Alan Tait, Pearson South Africa internally,” he says. services.”
Pearson 2015 19
INTERVIEWS Photography supplied
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Pearson South Africa asked some of its staffers the following: 1. Describe yourself in one sentence. 2. What is your most invaluable asset? 3. What is your favourite thing to do outside of work? 4. What is your favourite read and why? What are you currently reading? 5. Describe Pearson South Africa in ten years. Their responses are below:
2. I’m loyal and dependable and always Milton Nyamadzawo, Human Resources ready to go the extra mile. 1. I’m a highly competitive person with a ‘never 3. Apart from spending time with my say die’ attitude and will never tolerate lazy family and two English bulldogs, I’m an people around me. aspiring wine sommelier and foodie. I love 2. My life. trying out new dishes; my husband would 3. Reading – one could say, I’m always learning. agree that my favourite thing to make for 4. My favourite topics to read about are supper is reservations. leadership and strategy. Most countries 4. I absolutely adore Khaled Hosseini’s and companies have failed as a direct work, my favourite being A thousand consequence of leadership deficiencies. splendid suns. It made me exceptionally Currently, I’ve got my nose stuck in Alex grateful to be a woman who has the right Ferguson’s book, Leading. to be educated, vote and have freedom 5. Pearson in ten years would have sustained of speech. its employer of choice brand across the world. 5. In 2025, Pearson South Africa will Everyone else would be jostling to work for Kim Cloete, Corporate Affairs surpass Google as the best company Pearson. The Pearson values will have endured 1. I’m an avid reader and self-professed to work for in South Africa. We’ll have across all employees across the world. The grammar nerd who takes full advantage expanded our higher education holding Pearson Global footprint will have increased of living on the doorstep of the Cape and have a string of Pearson schools and making a difference in people’s lives Winelands, sampling the best it has to offer. (which ALL my future kids will attend). through learning.
Kathy Paraskeva, Sales 1. A determined YOUNG lady (having now by Eckhart Tolle; it helped me realise some issues with turning 40 in 2016). the value of living in the now and not to 2. Empathy. be hung up on past mistakes. Currently I’m 3. The traditional South African-Greek reading the 5 love languages of children – Braai – yes it’s a real thing and it happens need all the parenting tips I can get! in most South African-Greek households 5. In ten years’ time, when anyone thinks on a Sunday afternoon – you will find of education, the first thing that will come anything from braaivleis and pap to souvla to mind is Pearson. Pearson will be an and mousaka. I love spending time with my indispensable part of education worldwide close family and friends cooking up a storm. and when people are asked what has made 4. I’m a true sucker for those super-soulful a difference in their life the answer will reads. One of my favourites is The power of be…Pearson...of course.
20 Pearson 2015
Reggie Mokotsi, Sales 1. I can adapt to any situation, thrive in a currently reading Endings and Beginnings fluctuating environment and I transform by Redi Tlhabi. unexpected obstacles into stepping 5. Pearson South Africa in ten years: stones for achievement. • Will have shifted from a publishing 2. I make it my business to develop company to an educational company people to grow both personally and • Through partnerships and collaboration professionally. will be able to enter into a broader 3. I like belting out to my favourite tunes and educational space. pretending I’m a famous artist, spending • Direct delivery will play a vital role, time with my wife and children and I some product and services will be enjoy being a caddie for my 17-year-old white labelled through partners and daughter. I play soccer and have good other stakeholders increasing our conversations about meaningful things. efforts to change lives through learning. 4. The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay made me not just accept that it is how things are done, but made me look at at improving ways of doing things. I’m
Shiksha Reddy, Direct Delivery 1. I’m a vibrant sassy woman of integrity who enjoys learning mixed with a hint of fun and excitement. 2. My charismatic personality and my intellectual capacity. 3. I teach yoga, zumba and spinning classes. 4. My reading matter consists of crystal healing and chakras, I love the combination of science, mind, body and spirit. I am Derrick Zitha, Direct Delivery currently publishing my articles from my 1. I’m a humble and honest individual, PhD in the South African Medical Journal so who takes every day as an opportunity I’ve been spending my time on that. to improve my life or situation and that 5. Pearson South Africa will take over the of others, to get the best tomorrow world and be the leaders in academia, can offer. technology and innovation. 2. My relationships (personal and professional). 3. I love spending quality time with my Michelle Cruywagen, Marketing family. We have different tastes in life, 1. I’m a tenacious, passionate social which makes each day more exciting entrepreneur and nature lover. and interesting, e.g. I am a Chelsea 2. My instinctive strategic ability. supporter (through thick and thin) and 3. Urban farming: I am growing sweet corn, the whole of my family are Manchester tomatoes, spinach, courgettes, beans, celery, United supporters, which makes for an chilli, mint and basil in my summer garden. interesting soccer season. 4. I read Jiro Dreams of Sushi and was inspired 4. My favourite book is The 7 habits of by Jiro's uncompromising commitment to highly effective people: powerful lessons in his work and how throughout his life he personal change by Stephen R. Covey. continues to pursue excellence. I’m currently This is a great read for personal and reading Jane's Delicious Garden, a local author professional growth. I’m currently stuck who shares practical gardening advice. into Thabo Mbeki: The Dream Deferred, 5. In the next ten years, I see Pearson by Mark Gevisser. South Africa as an innovative, agile and 5. One of the top ten best companies to evidence-based based leading education work for in the country. solutions partner.
Pearson 2015 21
COMPETITION
WIN, WIN, WIN
With Pearson South Africa PSA Strategy and Six Key Priorities Our focus is on progressing our 5-year strategy by focusing on 6 strategic ust in time for the holiday season, programmes aligned to our strategy win yourself the latest in cellular pillars. Can you name 3 of the 6 strategic Jtechnology in the form of an programmes? iPhone 6 smartphone. The lucky second place prize winner will receive a Direct Delivery Strategy Nespresso machine. • What does the 70-30-10 Direct Delivery strategy refer to? All you have to do is answer the questions below and e-mail B-BBEE your answers to pearson-za. • Can you name 4 members from the [email protected]. Pearson Marang and Pearson Holdings Employment Equity Committees. PSA History • Name 2 B-BBEE elements and tell us in • In which year did we launch the first one sentence what we need to do to literature awards in South Africa to progress in each. support writing in all 11 official languages and what were the awards called? We are looking for the great idea! Give • In 1994 we caused a stir in the media with us two things you think we should do in the first post-apartheid history textbook. Learning Services and Direct Delivery to Can you name this book? turn our business around.
RULES • The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will • Competition closes on 31 December 2015 and no late be entered into. entries will be accepted. • Entries should include your name and e-mail address. • Prizes will be awarded to the first correct entry drawn • The winners will be announced on 15 January 2016. after the closing date. • Prizes will only be issued after the close of the • PSA Executives, their relatives and friends are not competition. Please allow for a two week delivery eligible to enter. period.
22 Pearson 2015
SOCIAL SCENE
Pearson South Africa’s new Cape Town head office at the Auto Atlantic building.
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1. The welcoming ribbon 3. A toast to our new Cape Town head office 2. Brian Wafawarowa (Learning Services executive director, Pearson 4. The Marimba Band who provided entertainment for the roof- South Africa), Tamara Minick-Scokalo (president Growth Market) wetting event and Riaan Jonck (managing director, Pearson South Africa)
Mark Cunnington 2015 Direct Delivery Roadshow.
Our Nelspruit colleagues added some sophistication to the campus tour by all wearing black and white.
Pearson 2015 23
SOCIAL SCENE
The Digital Education Show was held at the Sandton Convention Centre on 6-7 October 2015.
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1, 2, 3. Riaan Jonck, MD Pearson South Africa and Nhlanhla Thwala, MD, CTI Education Group participated in a keynote panel discussion on How technology is bringing a new age of education in South Africa.
4, 5. Steve Vosloo participated in a round table discussion: How to turn your content into a student magnet
6. Steve Vosloo’s stream session: Ensuring the learner is at the centre 5 6
24 Pearson 2015
African EduWeek 2015 was held at the Gallagher Convention 1 Centre on 1-2 July.
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1, 2. The Pearson stand designed around the theme of Enabling Educators to teach in a Digital Future
3, 4, 5. Riaan Jonck, MD, Pearson South Africa delivers the welcome address, Protect the Dreams of Africans – Towards a Better Life
6. Nhlanhla Thwala, MD, CTI participating in a panel interview, Literacy (It’s all Greek to me) which took a look at the current debate on other tongue language being used to teach learners who have little proficiency in English.
7. 138 competition entries received. The two winners each won a Samsung tablet loaded with Pearson content. Pictured here is Pearson South Africa Sales executive director Alan Tait electing the winners with the help from one of the stand’s youngster visitors. 6 7
Pearson 2015 25
SOCIAL SCENE
Pearson South Africa celebrated International Mandela Day in a variety of ways.
Riaan Jonck and Alan Tait participating in some in-house activity, knitting squares for donation to a ‘make a blanket organisation’.
Pearson employees dedicated their time to reading to and playing with the children at EDC centres. Pictured here are Aroona Anderson (HR), Caryn Kenny (HR) and Altus Le Roux (Learning Services).
26 Pearson 2015
As part of International Mandela Day, Pearson South Africa handed over a number of its office contents to entrepreneurs and non-government organisations identified by The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).
Alexis Kannemeyer (Customer Services), Ann Steel and Nangamso Sikweyiya (HR) helping with refurbishment of the ECD centre at Vyrgrond.
The fruits of our ‘make a blanket organisation’ displayed.
Pearson 2015 27
SOCIAL SCENE
The 2015 South African Book Fair was held at Turbine Hall in Newtown, Johannesburg, from 31 July to 2 August. 1
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1. Pearson Education was invited by the South 3. Zodwa Pakade and Alan Tait attended the 5. Pearson sponsored two schools, Ikage and African Book Fair to participate at the three- SA Book Fair, representing the Pearson South Zibambele Primary School, to attend the 2015 day event. Africa execs. Book Fair.
2. Over the three days, Pearson South Africa 4. Senior learners had the opportunity 6. We offered primary learners a storytelling focused on school and consumer products, to watch the ground-breaking ‘filmverse’ corner and illustration station. including a spotlight on Disney – Frozen. animated poetry. Pearson also showcased some of its leading brands, Smart Kids, Letterland, Platinum, Vuma, Literature and X-kit Achieve.
28 Pearson 2015
PEARSON’S EXECUTIVE TEAM
Back l-r: Nirvani Dhevcharran, Executive Director: Front l-r: Mark Cunnington, Executive Director: Direct Technology; Alan Tait, Executive Director: Sales; Delivery (MGI and CTI); Zodwa Pakade, Executive Director: Mike Ogden, Executive Director: Operations and Finance; Corporate Affairs; Zodwa Phakade, Executive Director: Brian Wafawarowa, Executive Director: Learning Services Corporate Affairs; Riaan Jonck, CEO; Alice Bhebhe, Executive Director: Human Resources