74 student in the Top-100 program completed their studies in December of last year. The program aims at developing professional skills of senior managers. It was introduced to Severstal in 1999 by Alexei Mordahov. The program’s content, knowledge and skill requirements approach those of international business schools.

This is the second group of students in the TOP-100 program. First 27 students in the Top-100 group received their diplomas in 2001. Over the year top managers, senior managers, shop supervisor and promising employees have studied strategic and operational management, self-development, business statistics, organizational behaviors at 192 hours of lectures and group work, round table discussions, games and simulations. They are now in a better position to grow professionally and show better work performance.

To join the TOP-100 program, employees must hold key positions or be put on a waiting list for promotion, have higher education, successful management experience at Severstal and recommendations of their superiors.

The TOP-100 program was taught by Severstal’s Training Center staff, which uses Nortumbria University materials (New Castle, Great Britain). Upon completing the program of studies, each student has to write a thesis with a full analysis of his unit and offers suggestions on how to enhance its performance.

According to Kruchinin, “Severstal’s HR program is a priority at Severstal. The company’s intellectual potential is an important indicator of Severstal’s corporate culture”.

Now candidates for the third group of TOP- 100 are screened. They will begin studies in February of this year. Severstal spun-off businesses and members of Severstal-group took special interest in this program. About 20 students from the above mentioned companies will be included in the TOP-100 3 group.

19 Febrary 2003