Dubai Quality Group (DQG) said a combination of seminars, information campaigns and recognition rites will be the highlights of the Customer Service Week 2008.

DQG is organising the event in collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). The celebrations will take place at the KHDA building in Dubai International Academic City from October 19 to 23, 2008.

The Customer Service Week has been organised by DQG as part of its program to spread awareness about the importance of customer service and to underscore the Group's commitment towards helping organisations ensure customer satisfaction.

The activity seeks to reward exemplary performances by frontline representatives who often serve as the customer's primary contact point with any organisation, while also recognising other related departments that provide essential support for the customer service executives.

DQG has also conceptualised the Customer Service Week as a pioneering venue for customer service professionals and staff to exchange ideas and best practices, while cultivating teamwork within customer service departments.

'The delivery of high-quality customer service is essential for any organisation to maintain a solid grip on the market. But more than that, excellence in customer service is a vital sign of a value-oriented and growth-focused business community, and is an important contributing factor to any society's overall growth.

'Dubai Quality Group has organised the Customer Service Week to help drive this important message and to provide an appropriate venue to recognise the efforts of various organisations to attain a truly high level of customer satisfaction,' said Marwan Al Sawaleh, chairman, Dubai Quality Group.

Dr Wafi Dawood, chief of organisational excellence of KHDA said: 'Customer service is not the sole responsibility of an organisation's frontline staff. It must be a concerted effort by all members of an organisation.

'Through the Customer Service Week, we have prepared a number of activities that are designed to help organisations fully harness their resources to ensure optimum customer satisfaction. We are grateful to Dubai Quality Group for partnering with us in organising this meaningful activity.'

As part of the Customer Service Week's public awareness activities, the group and KHDA will launch the event on October 19.

DQG will also facilitate the signing of the 'Ahed' agreement, while a training session with the theme 'Delivering world-class customer service' will also be held.

Other activities include sharing of best practices, an 'E-Complain' session in coordination with DQG, brainstorming sessions tackling various customer service issues, and an 'Awareness Day' on the importance of customer service in the race for excellence.

A full session has also been devoted to discuss the topic 'What customers want from the Government', which will be complemented by site visits to select Government Departments.

DQG is a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising the general performance level of the local business environment.

The Group works to provide competitive advantages to members by offering value-added and cost-effective services; providing comprehensive quality services that exceed expectations of members; facilitating continuous improvement in all aspects of business processes; and cultivating an environment that encourages learning and personal development. - TradeArabia News Service