Introduction
In today’s era of rapid digital transformation, organizations encounter unprecedented challenges in managing their documents and archives. The exponential growth of digital records, heightened regulatory compliance requirements, cybersecurity threats, and the pressing need for long-term preservation of institutional knowledge demand a strategic and professional approach to records and archives management.
Modern document management extends far beyond storing paper files in cabinets. It is about designing and implementing integrated systems that seamlessly govern both physical and electronic records throughout their entire lifecycle—from creation and active use to secure storage, retrieval, and final disposition.
Course Objectives
By the end of this Advanced Management for Documents and Archives training course, participants will be able to:
- Grasp advanced principles, frameworks, and global best practices in records and archives management.
- Recognize the vital role of records management in organizational governance, compliance, and risk mitigation.
- Design and implement policies and procedures aligned with international standards.
- Evaluate requirements for Electronic Records Management Systems (ERMS) and assess vendor solutions effectively.
- Develop classification schemes, retention schedules, and metadata structures that enhance organizational efficiency.
- Implement digitization strategies ensuring record authenticity, integrity, and accessibility.
- Formulate sustainable digital preservation plans addressing media obsolescence and format migration.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to information security, privacy, and disaster recovery.
- Draft comprehensive and practical records management policies and procedures.
Training Methodology
This program adopts a highly interactive and practical learning approach. Participants will benefit from expert-led lectures combined with hands-on exercises such as classification design, metadata development, and policy drafting. Simulations of real-world workflows and electronic systems will enhance applied learning.
Collaborative activities, including group discussions, peer reviews, and team presentations, will encourage knowledge sharing and problem-solving. Guided brainstorming sessions will enable participants to craft tailored action plans applicable to their organizations.
Robust assessment tools are integrated into the program, including pre- and post-training self-assessments, continuous Q&A sessions, and personalized feedback on practical assignments, ensuring both learning effectiveness and practical impact.
Course Outline :
DAY 1 – Foundations of Advanced Records and Archives Management
- Introduction to Records Management: Evolution, Key Concepts, and Principles
- The Records Lifecycle: Creation, Classification, Use, Maintenance, and Disposition
- Regulatory Frameworks and Compliance (ISO 15489, GDPR, Local Legislation)
- Developing Comprehensive Organizational Records Policies
- Designing Classification Schemes and Controlled Vocabularies
- Records Appraisal and Retention Scheduling
- Case Study: Implementing a Physical Records Inventory
DAY 2 – Electronic Records Management Systems (ERMS) and Standards
- ERMS Overview and Functional Requirements (ICA Guidelines)
- System Architecture and Core Components
- Evaluating, Selecting, and Procuring ERMS Solutions
- Metadata Standards (Dublin Core, PREMIS, ISO 23081)
- Managing Born-Digital vs. Digitized Records
- Workflow Design and Automation within ERMS
- Case Exercise: Mapping ERMS Functionalities to Organizational Needs
DAY 3 – Electronic Document and Content Management (EDCM)
- Introduction to EDCM and Its Relationship with ERMS
- Integration with Enterprise Systems (CRM, ERP, Email Platforms)
- Digitization Strategy and Standards (Scanning, OCR, Quality Control)
- Access Control and Security Management for Digital Content
- Workflow Automation: Notifications, Approvals, E-Signatures
- Managing Hybrid Environments: Paper and Digital Records
- Practical Exercise: Planning and Implementing Digitization Projects
DAY 4 – Digital Preservation Techniques
- Importance of Digital Preservation: Risks, Challenges, and Benefits
- OAIS Reference Model (ISO 14721) as a Framework for Long-Term Preservation
- Preservation Planning and Policy Development
- Ensuring File Format Sustainability and Planning for Migration
- Storage Solutions: Replication, Emulation, and Cloud Options
- Maintaining Authenticity, Integrity, and Chain of Custody
- Hands-on Workshop: Drafting a Comprehensive Digital Preservation Plan
DAY 5 – Policy Development, Risk Management, and Emerging Trends
- Writing Effective Records Management Policies and Procedures
- Ensuring Information Security and Privacy Compliance
- Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Planning
- Risk Assessment, Mitigation Strategies, and Best Practices
- Change Management and Staff Training for Records Management
- Future Trends: Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Cloud-Based Archives
- Group Presentations: Developing Action Plans for Participants’ Organizations