Service sector has emerged in a big way after liberalisation. Ingenuity coupled with quality service are the trade secrets here. The latest to jump on the bandwagon are the outbound management training providers for Indian corporates. Through experimental learning, the outbound management training programmes have transformed the traditional claustrophobic indoor instructing modes into interactive self-development programmes.

It took a while for the idea to sink in with the customers. However, at present, with limited agencies specialising in such training programmes and the rapid pace at which the trend is catching up, the stage is set for some active business.

The outbound programme is based on experimental learning. Innovative learning methods and a set of challengingtraining activities are designed to bring attitudinal change in the basic outlook of a person. The participants are put through exciting challenges using outdoor activities as a teaching medium. They face physical and mental hurdles that are specially designed to incorporate skills like problem solving, leadership, communication, decision making, co-operation, risk taking, and trust. These tasks, which progressively become complex, are examined in the context of individual performance, and then related to organisational framework.The activities and exercises generate issues for discussion; during which learning is highlighted and thereafter applied to other activities during the programme.

Immediacy of feedback allows an unbiased view of oneself while time is set aside for reflection and sharing, providing an ideal setting for the first step towards change and improvement.

The outdoor provides an ideal stage for the learning process which includes feedback, reflection and experimentation. Though it maynot be the solution to every behavioural problem in an organisation, it teaches a participant how to learn.

To meet company-specific needs, the organisers develop special training programmes. For this purpose they have roped in experts, trainers and resource persons who work with the HRD personnel of the company to understand training needs. Programmes are designed to complement the work culture, values and attitudes.

Although the basic concept appears to be simple-`learn while you have fun', the organisers contradict the fun part. "Our programmes are not a leisure holiday where we take managers out for a picnic. They are well structured programmes with specific goals to accomplish," says Gaurav Saklanie of Discovery Camps, the only company in Delhi dealing in outbound corporate management programmes. In fact, programme schedules are so tight that some participants end up complaining about the hectic activities. But all of them agree that it helps in the all-round attitudinal development ofparticipants.Individuals are taken away from normal routine work and given tasks new to them, thus encouraging experimentation. With no expected norms or behaviour, participants get a chance to do things differently and later implement their experiences.

These training programmes are arranged for a group of employees, who may stand parallel or horizontal in hierarchy. Normally, charges for a week for a group of 15-20 people is around Rs 12,500 per head.

Sanjay Sinha, senior manager, Tata Lucent Technologies Ltd., says, "Such programmes give my colleagues a chance to know each other breaking hierarchical boundaries. It also increases the rapport between us. The benefits do not translate into money immediately, but the programmes definitely have long-term intangible benefits if the physical aspects are translated to address psychological issues."

Most of the service providers have their own estate or they lease out a particular site where they organise their programmes. The infrastructural demands includenot only proper location, but an entire set-up of equipment and manpower to give a total system support to the programmes. Then, the estate has to be developed to meet particular demands of programmes like rock climbing, rifle shooting, range and river crossing sites. The place should not only provide natural ambience, but also basic modern facilities like proper baths and toilets. Thus, developing a site for the programmes, involves meticulous planning.

Manpower is the other significant factor. To organise and plan the entire programme, expert HRD people are required. An efficient marketing team is needed to market the programmes. And finally professional trainers are required to conduct the programmes. Sometimes, companies cut costs by not employing professionals on a regular basis but engaging them as and when required.

The prevailing recession has had its effect on this sector also. "Whenever there is a cash crunch in any industry, we feel the pressure. The first thing to be chopped down are thetraining programmes," says Saklanie. He however sees this as a passing phase. To shake off the present trend these companies are planning to diversify in other areas like school and family outings. "In a recessionary year we have seen a 80 per cent growth in business," says Saklaine. As the economy comes out of recession, he is sure there will be a boom in demand for such specialised services.