Ian Sibbald, financial controller at Cranfield University, said: “Optimum’s user-focused approach to training struck a chord. Business World (Agresso) is a complex system and it makes sense to tackle training from the point of view of exactly what knowledge it is that you need to impart.”

He added: “Using a professional training company adds value because new users aren’t being told by their peer group, or a finance person, or even someone within the university, how best to use the system. The fact that it is an external authority can give the training extra credibility.”

Cranfield University, which has a global reputation for postgraduate research into science, technology, engineering and management, has used Agresso as its core business management system since 2003.