About TAM

The objective of the TurnAround Management (TAM) Programme is to support economic reform by assisting small and medium to large sized enterprises to transform themselves. The programme assists enterprises to operate successfully and help to develop new business skills at the senior management level so as to be able to survive and compete in market economies.

To achieve this, the programme introduces industry-specific management expertise by providing the advisory services of experienced former CEOs and directors from economically developed countries. These advisors transfer management and technical know-how to enterprises, conveying the principles of responsible corporate governance and sharing commercial experience directly with CEOs and senior managers. TAM is managed on a "not-for profit" basis and utilizes multiple donor funds to provide the costs of support for the projects; none of the funding is given to the enterprises.

TAM objectives

• Build the confidence of SME to operate successfully and adapt to international markets.
• Assist SMEs to comply with industrial legislation and develop sound environmental practices.
• Help management prepare a business plan, based on best international business practices.
• Establish strategic direction and attract external investment and finance.
• Advise on design and production capabilities to be comparable with international competitors.
• Improve SME’s competitive position with marketing strategies and network of international contacts.
• Introduce new and industry specific business skills directly to the senior management of SMEs.
• Achieve sustainable results by changing the enterprise business culture and improving business viability.

From its inception in 1993, TAM has carried out over 1,700 enterprise restructuring projects with over €102 million of donor funding. Of these, 85% have been evaluated as "successful" or "highly successful", based on overall results such as improved management skills, increased productivity, turnover, security of employment, business planning, and greatly improved understanding and capability of design and marketing.

TAM utilises some of the world’s most experienced business leaders in projects to advise companies modernise their management practices and improve turnover and productivity at no cost to the company itself.

What does a typical TAM project look like?

Over the years, the TAM management team has built up a database of over 3,000 senior industrial advisers (SIAs) and specialists from a wide array of industries. An adviser has at least 15 years of experience as CEO of a company in a relevant sector in a market economy.

Enterprises are selected after screening by TAM team country coordinators (TTCCs), who assess eligibility for TAM assistance and coordinate the operations of TAM’s highly skilled SIAs in the field.

The SIA is selected from the same industry sector as the beneficiary company. As the head of a TAM project team, including one or more functional specialists and with a TTCC to assist, the SIA will help the enterprise to understand its problems and to make the management and cultural changes necessary to create a profitable, stand-alone private enterprise. This change will be brought about by the enterprise management itself, the TAM team works hard to transfer skill and know-how, and to avoid creating dependency.

Each project is unique and tailored to the requirements of the individual enterprise. Typical areas of activity include developing sales and marketing strategies, undertaking financial and strategic planning, and restructuring the organisation to attract external finance.

Each TAM team, usually spends 60 days with the enterprise over a period of 18-24 months. After the project is completed, the impact on the company’s business performance is independently evaluated and rated.

What type of companies does TAM assist?

For a company to qualify for TAM assistance, the senior management must have the ability to benefit from the project and be prepared to commit the necessary time and effort. The enterprise must: 

• Be a private company or have irrevocable government commitment to privatization.
• Be able to demonstrate potential for growth, a genuine need for business advice and a capacity to absorb the assistance given.
• Have an acceptable debt structure.
• Not be involved in military products or services, gambling or tobacco.

  Apply for TAM assistance

Who are the senior industrial advisors?

The TAM Programme mainly engages former senior operational directors of large companies from a wide range of industries to work as senior industrial advisors (SIAs). To qualify, candidates must have:

• A high level of commercial experience enabling them to advise knowledgeably on the restructuring of companies, as well as offering in-depth knowledge of one or more industry sectors.
• Minimum 15 years hands-on experience as a senior operational director of a company in a directly related industry sector.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the authority to influence the top level of management of the beneficiary companies (multi-national and multi-cultural experience is of great advantage).
• Ability to work in both written and spoken English.
• Fitness and willingness to travel regularly to the countries of operation.

SIAs are the paramount strength of the TAM programme. During their successful careers, they have already confronted and solved many problems similar to those currently facing the beneficiary enterprises in the transition countries.

Apply to become a TAM SIA

TAM evolution

TAM has developed strong, self-reliant management in its partner enterprises, creating a new and sustainable resource that continues to be of benefit long after the project ends. The skilled, dynamic managers that emerge from the programme can also contribute directly to the revitalization of their sectors and even bring about industry restructuring from within. This can be more effective than externally imposed solutions.

TAM is managed on a not-for-profit basis and utilizes funds from many donors to provide support for the projects.