CSAP brings between 180 and 250 new university graduates from over 50 countries into Cisco's sales organisation. The associates train for two years, pass multiple sales and technical certifications, gain on-the-job experience, and graduate to become an integral part of the local culture that they are part of at Cisco. The primary goals of CSAP are to provide a consistent pipeline of young talent into the business, drive the business' results through superior sales performance, and begin the process of developing the future leaders of Cisco's sales organisation.

The program deploys leading-edge online and workshop delivery technologies, continuous assessment, mentoring and coaching, on-the-job experience, and personal development opportunities. Underlying everything are the principles of classic project management and Six Sigma, constant reinvention and "leadership through laughter". Team members become family; successes are celebrated and support for the team is pervasive.

Marsha Connor (Senior Manager WW Sales Training), who leads the CSAP program, said, "This award is a tremendous and deserved tribute to the dedication, creativity, and hard work of all those who have developed, taught in, and supported the CSAP program. The team has shown flexibility and foresight in adapting to the changing needs of the business, the learning preferences of the associates, and the use of new technologies."

Richard Barkey, founder and CEO of Imparta and President of Imparta, Inc., commented, "Cisco's CSAP initiative is a highly sophisticated, well planned, and inspirational onboarding program. It balances a strong drive for superior performance with a nurturing, supportive environment. We are delighted to have contributed to their success, and the winning of this award, through the delivery of Cisco's comprehensive sales development curriculum."

"Excellence Award winners personify innovation that drives business results. Our winners embrace the future and embrace change and the challenges that go with it," said Rachel Cooke, Chief Operating Officer of Brandon Hall Group and head of the awards program. "It is amazing in reviewing these entries how organisations, both large and small, work across functions to make human capital management a valuable asset that enables business success."

The award entries were evaluated by a panel of veteran, independent senior industry experts, Brandon Hall Group analysts, and executives, based upon the following criteria: fit the need, design of the program, functionality, innovation, and overall measurable benefits.

Excellence Awards winners will be honored at Brandon Hall Group's HCM Excellence Conference, 23-25 January 2019, at the Hilton West Palm Beach in Florida. Select winners also will serve as presenters in breakout sessions, sharing their leading practices during the 2½-day conference.

"The excellence of our award winners allows us to create unique content that actively involves attendees and gives them proven solutions to adapt to their own environment when they get home," Brandon Hall Group CEO Mike Cooke said. "The conference also affords these award winners some well-deserved recognition and validation for the risks they took to take HCM to the next level in their companies."