Assessment for selection, promotion, training and development for executive management through to learnerships/bursaries/apprenticeships
ADS uses psychometric tests and other assessment techniques across the entire spectrum of job levels in organizations. The approach is holistic, focusing on aspects such as cognitive ability, personality, emotional intelligence and specific competencies that are relevant to the situation (see Assessment Tests/Techniques). We generally provide individualized reports based on the assessment results and on the outcome of an in-depth interview with the candidate. Recommendations are aimed at identifying strengths and areas for development, in the context of the job or training requirements. During the interview, feedback on results is usually provided to the candidate for personal development purposes.
In view of the constant increase in complexity in the workplace, ADS endorses Arie de Geus’ comment that “… the only competitive advantage the company of the future will have is its managers’ ability to learn faster than their competitors†( Harvard Business Review (March/April 1988). Our cognitive assessments would therefore always include the assessment of learning potential.
Assessments can be done on an individual or group basis, e.g. selection for who attends training programmes, university admissions and work entry level positions.
Job Characteristics Survey
With-out a clear understanding of the dimensions which are important for success in a given job, one cannot make informed decisions with regards to HR functions such as selection, performance management, training and development.
The Job Characteristics Survey (JCS) is unique in that it is a quantitative form of job analysis. The instrument helps the user identify the personality traits, intellectual competencies and values which are key for successful performance in a given job. The empirical data that is used can be collected either with pencil and paper or in a computerized form. Once the data has been gathered a number of sophisticated statistical techniques are used to generate a report, which can assist in the creation of competency profiles, personality profiles, training and development initiatives and in framing interview questions for selection. The JCS can also be applied at multiple levels of the organization thereby identifying behavioural and value shifts which need to take place as an individual makes turns up the leadership pipeline.
Joint Problem Solving
ADS offers coaching interventions to managers and organisations to develop their leadership skills and organisational performance using Joint Problem Solving. JPS is a well researched leadership model developed over a period of thirty years of testing and application, dealing with real-life situations in a wide range of different organizations in South Africa. It incorporates approaches to management and leadership used in different parts of the world and has integrated them into a South African product that works. It brings the proven value of finding the best answers with others so as to get maximum buy-in and active commitment to action, thereby taking the organization and its people forward towards better performance.
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JPS is captured in the book by Hugo Misselhorn, The Head and Heart of Leadership (Reach Publishers, 2012)
Career Counselling
ADS uses psychometric assessments to assist matriculants, graduates and adults in making informed decisions about careers and career changes. We assess cognitive ability, personality orientation, emotional intelligence, interests, motivation and values and provide feedback in order to explore possible career options during an in-depth interview.
Organizational Climate Surveys
ADS assists companies in identifying the current organizational climate which includes the current organizational strengths and performance inhibitors. Customized organizational climate surveys are used, combined with focus groups to explore perceived problems and solutions. These surveys can be quickly implemented through internet applications, and the results have been found to be especially beneficial to management in making strategic organizational interventions during mergers, restructuring and other organizational change efforts, or just to monitor employee morale.
KwaZulu-Natal Agents for Learning Potential Assessment Material
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ADS makes learning potential material (APIL & TRAM) available to KZN clients.
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We provide training on these instruments for new users.
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We provide a bureau service for AProLAB and Psytech products.
Critical Thinking Training Programme (CogLab)
CogLab is a training course designed to develop and enhance critical thinking skills required to solve a wide range of problems commonly encountered in the work place. CogLab was designed to assist in closing the gap between classroom learning and the world of work, e.g. with potential supervisors, new graduates or school leavers. It has been found to be effective in building the problem solving skills of candidates at NQF 4 level. It can be facilitated through an electronic version or classroom learning
Jon Taylor Co-Directs ADS and has a track record of research into psychological testing effectiveness post graduate lecturing in assessment techniques, running the NIPR and HSRC research office in KZN, training users of psychological tests and running ADS as an assessment consultancy business since 1999. He has a particular interest in cross cultural fairness in psychometric testing, since these instruments can be abused to obstruct the appointment of people who have the potential to succeed but may simply lack certain skills or knowledge.
He was later joined in the practice by Co-Director, Elize Taylor, also an Industrial Psychologist with 20 years practical experience in Human Resource Management in industry. Elize is an accredited Career Path Appreciation (CPA) Practitioner with specific interest in personal development, coaching and psychometric assessment.
Susan Ellison joined ADS in 2007 as an Industrial Psychology intern, and has become a valuable member of the ADS team since qualifying as an Industrial Psychologist. She has experience in assessments, talent management, organization development and EAP counselling.
An ADS associate based in Pretoria. Anné Venter is a registered Organisation & Industrial Psychologist as well as a registered COMENSA coach. She specialises in assessments, coaching, leadership development as well as organisational development work. Anné holds a BCom Honours degree from the University of North West and a Masters degree in Industrial Psychology from the University of KwaZulu Natal. She worked as an Industrial Psychologist within the corporate world before entering the consulting world and has done leadership development projects in the mining, financial services, engineering, production, retail and health sectors.
A psychometrist in private practice, in Cape Town, Lynn Crossland holds a HEd, BCom (Honours in Industrial Psychology) and an MA in Counselling Psychology. Her experience in teaching, career centre management and psychometric assessment, together with a passion for working with people who live with learning and physical challenges, has equipped Lynn to provide a career development assessment and career information service for learners, students and adults.
Hugo has an MA and is a registered Industrial Psychologist. He has captured over 30 years of practical experience and study in his book “The Head and Heart of Leadershipâ€. His main contribution lies in his pioneering work in Joint Problem Solving technology, Team Building, Work relationships and Strategic Analysis for organisational change. He continues to explore and research better ways of bringing about changes and improvements in attitudes and performance in the life of organizations. In recognizing that behaviour in organizations is a product of many different factors, he emphasises the need for a holistic and systems approach to change and improvement through engaging appropriate individuals, groups and whole organisations.
Dean Napier has a Bachelor of Social Science degree majoring in Industrial Psychology and his background is in project management. He fills a business development role within the team and has a keen interested in organisational development and gamification.
Vesna Dryden is the ADS Office Manager who deals with administrative, financial and customer liaison needs. She also deals with assessment bookings and test material queries and a bureau testing service.
