Why SMEs Need Structured Training: From PMP and Lean Six Sigma to Basic Supervisory Skills

Training often feels like a luxury for SMEs—something big companies do. But structured training might be exactly what’s holding your business back from the next level. Here’s when and why it makes sense.

When SMEs Need Structured Training

Signs Your Team Needs Development

Supervisors were promoted but never trained: Great performers don’t automatically become great managers
Same mistakes keep happening: Process issues that training could solve
Key person dependency: Only one person knows how to do critical tasks
Growth is stalling: Team capability is limiting business expansion
Customer complaints increasing: Service quality is declining

The SME Training Dilemma

Common concerns we hear:

“We can’t afford to send people away for training”
“Training is expensive and we’re not sure of the return”
“Our people are too busy to attend courses”
“Big certifications are overkill for our size”

The reality: Well-designed training for SMEs is different—practical, immediately applicable, and delivered to minimise disruption.

Training Options That Make Sense for SMEs

Professional Certifications

PMP (Project Management Professional)

Best for: Managers handling client projects, internal initiatives
ROI: Better project delivery, fewer overruns, improved client satisfaction
Format: Can be delivered in-house, evening/weekend options

Lean Six Sigma

Best for: Operations, quality, process improvement roles
ROI: Waste reduction, efficiency gains, cost savings
Format: Green Belt practical for most SME needs

Practical Skill Workshops

HR for Non-HR Managers

For supervisors handling people issues without HR background
Covers: Basic employment law, performance conversations, handling problems

Performance Management

For anyone who manages others
Covers: Goal setting, feedback, appraisals, development planning

Leadership and Supervisory Skills

For newly promoted or first-time managers
Covers: Delegation, motivation, communication, time management

Calculating Training ROI

Direct Benefits

Reduced errors and rework
Faster project completion
Better customer satisfaction
Lower employee turnover

Indirect Benefits

Improved employee engagement
Better succession planning
Enhanced company reputation
Increased capacity for growth

Simple ROI Calculation

Cost of training: QAR X (fees, time, materials) Value of improvements: QAR Y (efficiency gains, error reduction, etc.) ROI: (Y - X) / X × 100%

Example: QAR 15,000 training investment leads to QAR 50,000 in identified savings = 233% ROI

Aligning Training with Business Results

Step 1: Identify Business Problems

Before training, ask:

What business problems exist?
Where are we losing money or efficiency?
What are customers complaining about?
Where do we have people gaps?

Step 2: Link Training to Solutions

Map training to problems:

Project delays → PMP training
Process inefficiency → Lean Six Sigma
People management issues → Supervisory skills
Quality problems → Process training

Step 3: Set Success Measures

Define how you’ll know training worked:

Specific metrics to improve
Behaviour changes to observe
Results to achieve within timeframe

Step 4: Support Application

After training:

Give people opportunities to apply learning
Provide coaching and feedback
Remove barriers to implementation
Celebrate improvements

Making Training Work for SMEs

Customise to Your Context

Generic training wastes time. Ensure:

Case studies relate to your industry
Examples use your scenarios
Exercises apply to your processes

Minimise Disruption

Options include:

In-house delivery at your location
Half-day sessions over several weeks
Evening or weekend options
Online/hybrid formats

Focus on Application

Effective SME training:

Includes practical exercises
Requires action plans
Follows up on implementation
Measures results

Our Training Approach

Lineati Consultancy delivers:

Lean Six Sigma certification programmes
PMP preparation courses
HR for non-HR managers workshops
Performance management training
Leadership and supervisory skills development
Custom workshops tailored to your needs

All programmes are designed for SMEs: practical, applicable, and delivered with minimal business disruption.

Ready to develop your team? Contact us to discuss training solutions that fit your business.