Gower Handbook of Call and Contact Centre Management

Call centres and contact centres form an important and rapidly growing part of today's business world. They present a range of management challenges, from strategic decisions about how to develop a customer strategy, business planning, through to detailed considerations of staffing levels and appropriate technology. This new handbook, the first of its kind, provides a unique insight giving expert opinions on how to get the most out of your contact centre operations. Natalie Calvert, a specialist in the field, has brought together a team of 35 experienced practitioners who provide invaluable knowledge, share their experiences and draw on real-life examples to suggest practical solutions on a wide range of topics. This handbook is an indispensible guide and reference for call and contact centre managers, HR specialists and senior executives responsible for marketing, sales or customer services. The handbook is divided into six parts: I The business plan II The people factor III Contact centre technology IV Standards, processes, and outsourcing V Building profitable customer relationships VI The future.

About the Author

Natalie Calvert is one of the leading authorities on call and contact centre operations, with more than 20 years' pioneering experience. She is the founder and Managing Director of Calcom Group Ltd, a training consultancy organization specializing in the area, with clients that include LEGO, Royal Mail, Wanadoo, Orange, and the Royal Bank of Scotland. Natalie regularly lectures both in the UK and internationally and is a frequent contributor to articles and industry forums. As well as founder and fellow of the Institute of Direct Marketing, she has been UK Ambassador for the European Contact Centre Qualifications, Chair of London First Call Centre Task Force, Vice Chair of the Direct Marketing Association's Telecommerce Board, verifier on the Contact Centre Management Masters degree, and currently serves on Call Centre Association Standards Advisory Council. In 2004 she launched the Calcom Contact Centre Academy, which is a total training solution for call and contact centres.