BVoc and MVoc: a way forward for higher-level NVQs in management? Stephen Wilkins Dubai Polytechnic Abstract: Discusses and analyses the implementation of the National Vocational Qualication (NVQ) from the perspective of educational/training institutions, employers and candidates both in the UK and overseas, with the aim of suggesting how the qualication, especially at levels 4 and 5, could be improved to better serve both employers and employees. Assesses the concept of use and exchange value, the benets and costs of the NVQ, the extent of individual development achieved, reasons for the problems in attracting applicants, the support required by candidates, the reasons for low completion rates, the merits of dual accreditation or of offering academic-based modules to NVQ candidates, the problems of equating NVQs with academic qualications and the need for external assessment. Summarizes some of the views expressed at the Qualications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) user forums in 1998 and 1999. Suggests that the NVQ would benet from a new name, specied courses of study or training at higher levels, examinations and more varied and simplified assessment methods. Concludes that universities should play a role in the redesign of higher-level NVQs and that they should become awarding bodies. Keywords: NVQs, competences, management training and development, manage- ment qualications, Middle East. Introduction This paper considers the implementation of the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) from the perspective of educational/training institutions, employers and candidates although the study focuses on the provision of management NVQs in the educational sector. The aim of this paper is to conclude with a series of recom- mendations that, if implemented, might lead to modication and improvement of the current qualications, especially at the higher levels. The case material in this paper concentrates on the NVQs in management and retail operations. However, the primary research for this study focuses only on the NVQs in retail operations at levels 3 and 4. The NVQs in retail operations at levels 3 and 4 have been considered as occupationally specic management awards. It is assumed that the study ndings, conclusions and recommendations apply equally well to all management NVQs, whether they are occupationally specic or not and that, in fact, the majority of recommendations could be applied to NVQs in any occupational area. The author has drawn upon his experience as a course leader, assessor and internal verier for NVQs in retail operations at two colleges of further education in London (UK) and as an external verier of management NVQs for the NEBS management awarding body (Middle East region). The views and recommendations presented in this paper are those of the author only, and do not Human Resource Development International ISSN 1367-8868 print/ISSN 1469-8374 online © 2002 Taylor & Francis Ltd http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals DOI: 10.1080/13678860110099425 HRDI 5:4 (2002), pp. 425–445