Na atual conjuntura, caracterizada por elevados níveis de competitividade e novos desafios, torna-se imperativo a aquisição de competências, instrumentos e técnicas, que antecipadamente, nos orientem para o progresso e sustentabilidade tanto das organizações como das pessoas. Foi com ambas as finalidades que me propus a frequentar o PCG. O elevado nível técnico dos docentes, a abordagem teórica e prática diversificada e consequente partilha de experiências, gerou novas formas de pensamento sobre as boas práticas de Controlo de Gestão e uma aquisição de conhecimentos e acréscimo de valências para o meu desenvolvimento profissional e pessoal. Aconselho vivamente a frequência do Programa de Performance e Controlo de Gestão para quem necessite e queira munir-se de um conjunto de ferramentas para uma melhor adaptação às constantes mutações e exigências do mercado.

At a time when the economy is showing tenuous signs of vitality, with a consequent increase in uncertainty, and when markets have become very competitive, management control plays an extremely relevant role. This undeniable fact induced me to seek training that would not only allow me to update and consolidate my knowledge but would, if possible, also provide an opportunity to share experiences with professionals from other areas of activity. After verifying the types of training available in the market in this field and after some conversations with friends, alumni of the UCP, opting for the PCG was a natural choice. The program had a sufficiently broad scope and was rational and extensive. It was an excellent decision! The PCG approaches all the essential questions of Management Control, perfectly contextualised in terms of the environment in which companies operate today. The constant use of practical cases unequivocally supported the applicability of the methodologies presented. The diverse nature of the group favoured different perspectives and enriched the debate. This undoubtedly an excellent training program!  

I was recently invited by the President of the Board of Directors to prepare myself to eventually assume greater responsibilities within the organisation. In about one year I had to prepare myself to become the General Manager of one of the Group's largest companies. I contacted an alumnus of the UCP, who is today a partner at one of the most successful companies in Portugal and one of the largest in my sector, and asked his opinion. He advised me to enrol in the PAGE. The simplest way that I can think of to define the results of my participation in the PAGE is that my transition to my new functions took place very smoothly on the part of the company, staff and myself. The need to further my knowledge with regard to Management Control induced me to return two years later, to attend the Program for Performance Management and Control and I am certain that I made the right decision at the right time, to be able to contribute towards a healthy growth for my company and towards the development of the nation.

O controlo de gestão tem uma importância fulcral na gestão das empresas. A crescente exigência de transparência nas organizações sem fins lucrativos têm vindo a implicar uma profunda transformação dos sistemas de controlo de gestão destas. Este programa da Universidade Católica permitiu-me tomar contacto com as últimas tendências e melhores práticas na área do Controlo de Gestão, sendo conduzido nos conceitos e nas práticas por um corpo docente de indiscutível qualidade.

In an economic context in which the only certainty is the constant uncertainty, the role of management control is challenged to intervene and takes a place of excellence in the organization’s strategic objectives. The Performance and Management Control Program, being coordinated by the faculty with the greatest knowledge and expertise in this area in Portugal, tests every participants’ knowledge, and aims at the essence of every theme presenting a solution and innovative perspective for each one of them. Because of this quality seal, I enrolled in the PCG. It allowed me to find the best practices, and the best way to think about Control Management in order to make the best possible decisions.

The program was a very pleasant surprise in terms of content, not restricted to the technical aspects of management control. Well structured, the themes addressed allowed me to give value to the behavioral aspects, that in "real life" are sometimes even more important than the technical aspects. Highlighted the relevance of the function in the company, it also emphasized the interrelation with other departments as an important factor of success in professional performance and development. It was an exercise of reflection about the function, beyond the undeniable importance of the examples presented and worked. The quality of the faculty had the highest rating, which was expected of an institution such as Católica.

In the current setting of high competition and big challenges, it is necessary to be constantly updated and prepared to be able to find and effectively develop the best solutions to the problems that we face on a daily basis. It was in this context that I attended PAFE in 2006 and decided to return to CATÓLICA-LISBON, two years later, to attend the Performance and Management Control Program (PCG). This program is taught by highly skilled professionals with practical real-life experience. It is an excellent tool for obtaining skills in the area of Management Control, and has given me a set of skills and knowledge with added-value to my professional development.

Although I already have an MBA in Finance, the diversity of topics covered in the Performance and Management Control Program (PCG) enabled personal and professional growth, both in the technical domain of the tools and techniques of Management Control, as well as in the domain of personal skills and ethical values. The experience, professionalism and excellence of the faculty was the key factor in maintaining the right balance between the theoretical and practical spheres, whilst sharing experiences amongst participants, allowing me to consider that participating in this program is a strategic decision of high economic value.