eLearning for DW Pvt LtdPREPARED BY RRUWAN WEERASINGHE

MBA PROGRAM-UNIVERSITY OF WALES

Executive Summary

ELearning is defined as conducting online training programs through internet using of electronic media. Most of the people are very familiar with use of internet and eLearning is becoming popular especially among young generation today.

This proposal is suggesting DW Pvt ltd to adopt eLearning method as well to fulfill its strategic training needs. DW Pvt ltd is a Srilankan establishment which deals with health care products, and pays much attention in training and updating its medical promotional staff. However eLearning is still not used in its training methods. The presentation covers advantages of eLearning in general, as well as for DW Pvt ltd and also gives suggestions of methodology that can be adopted while managing challenges of eLearning.

This assignment is done to fulfill the module of Human Resource Management of MBA program offered by University of Wales, conducted by Imperial Institute of Higher Education and lectured by Mr. Sanjeeva Perera.

Welcome to the new world of learning

As the world is changing rapidly with the IT development, it is suitable for us also to change our approach to training of our field staff. Online training or e learning is a very popular method today due to many reasons.

Data

o 62% positive feedback (Out of 700 participants 62% confirmed positive experience with eLearning) (Bajal, 2000)

o It is forecasted that US spending on eLearning is increasing 400% every 3 years (Shen, 2001) o 70% of workforce at Delta Airline receives its (government required) training via eLearning

(Robert L.Mathis, 2011)

Why eLearning…..

Traditional class room style might be monotonous. Ability to learn from a comfortable and convenient environment. Convenience in time allocation. Time allocated is used to the maximum potential (In a class room, single query may take the

time of every one). One can adapt his own pace of learning (some students are fast learners).

Why eLearning…..cont.

Less disturbances. Improvement of QOL (more time with family members). Learner builds more self-confidence. Lecturer/ Trainer can give individual focused attention. Lecturer / Trainer has more freedom in time management.

Why DW should get in to eLearning. Advantages

Field staff doesn’t have to travel to Colombo, which saves time as well as fuel cost to the company.

Very cost effective as no need to pay for conference facilities such as hall, multimedia. HR Manager doesn’t have to spend time on hotel reservations and other arrangements such as

meals. Arranging tools and other facilities are easy and fast (mainly software). Field force members are more independent in participation and getting clarification ( New

comers might be reluctant to be open in a group sitting)

Why DW should get in to eLearning. Advantages (Cont.)

Team Manager is freer in allocating time and both trainer and trainee can spend more time with family members.

Easy for the Top Management to supervise the process, quality of the content and also the skill level of participants.

Top Management can give the feedback to trainers (or the Team Manager) without disturbing the process.

Very importantly, can get the support of the Trainers in HQ at Mumbai (or Chennai) via Internet without spending time and money for them to travel.

Challenges in eLearning

Learners who are with poor or bad study habits may left behind. Sometimes motivational level might go down. Not having routine structures may cause students to get lost or confused of course activities,

deadlines etc. Learner may feel detached from the officemates and instructor. Less interaction with office colleagues. Instructor or Manager may not always be available when learner is studying or need help. Poor Internet connections or computers errors may case accessing course materials frustrating. Leaners with low level of computer skills might find this a complex procedure.

How to overcome challenges

Staff members must be assessed individually for their study habits and should be assisted accordingly.

Course or the program has to be well structured and design simple as possible. Suitable frequency has to be maintained in communication to avoid boredom. Initial (basic) IT knowledge has to be provided in a class room session. Team gathering and other team building activities should be continued to keep the interaction

among colleagues. Trainer has to be committed to be available as much as possible to assist learner in time of help

needed Very importantly the commitment and support of the top management is a must for the

success of the project

Tools available for eLearning

Email. Tele conferencing. Video conferencing. Web conferencing/seminars (webinars). On line questioner, forms.

Many web tools are available today and some can be used free of charge. List of free web tools are given below

AnyMeeting WebEx Meeting Basics Google+Hangout Skype Free Mokogo Free MeetingBurner

(Webconferencing, 2015)

Choosing a proper software

Functionality- What are the features available Usability-Easy to use Software installation-Is it browser based or installation needed Cost transparency- Is it actually free..? Security- Is it safe Platform support-What is the platform needed..? (Windows/Mac OS X/iOS/Android)

More capacity and more security is available with other paid software packages.

Areas that eLearning can be used effectively in DW

Product knowledge Training on compliance/ethical behavior Refreshment for previously done programs

Methodology can be different in each area and combination of tools and methods can be used

Planning for eLearning

It is not just a copy and paste activity. And also every power point presentation is not eLearning. For the best delivery of results, eLearning has to be a well-planned and structured activity. Entire eLearning activity should meet the strategic training needs of Sanofi. And also must focus on managing earlier mentioned challenges of eLearing.

Some of the main criteria that has to be considered are needs to be addressed promptly

Criteria to consider

Need to consider the funding required for development and implementation process Psychological background has to be prepared. There can be resistance and Managers and HR

personal might need to be retrained. Ready accessibility for internet facilities and connectivity. Company can assist employees in

buying computers (loan schemes or discounts from computer suppliers on bulk purchase) and data connections.

Time allocation should not conflict with regular ( field) work. Change may require some time to establish

Developing a methodology

Web enabled course content

The course content needs to be web enabled. It has to be converted in to electronic form. How the delivery should be done in electronic form.

Modularization

Content has to be segmented in to modules and trainee will find it easy to digest. That will make the completion, less complex.

Linking content with training objectives

Modules developed must align with the strategic training objective of the organization. The flow has to be maintained and changes in between may disturb the process.

Developing a methodology (cont.).

Method must be “learner centric”

This is a very important part in the methodology and the entire exercise has to be looked at from trainee (or learner) point of view. It is very important to make the entire process “less complex”. This help in overcoming some common barriers of eLearning.

Measurement

As the entire exercise is a significant investment, the return has to be monitored. This can be done in many aspects such as level of knowledge developed or improved, financial achievements, quality improvement etc.

Measuring also will suggest any changers needed in the methodology.

Summary

This presentation outlined the training method of new world….eLearning. This is a big topic today and more valuable information are available for further in-depth understanding. Objective is to enjoy the advantages while managing disadvantages in the best possible way. Challenges can be overcome by proper planning, structured process and methodology.

The most important requirement is the support and commitment of the top management which is definitely available in Sanofi Lanka ltd

"Online learning is not the next big thing, it is the now big thing.” - Donna J. Abernathy (Pappas, 2014)

References

Bajal, V., 2000. Job Rotation Helps Tech Work Force. Omaha World Herald.

Pappas, C., 2014. ELEARNING BEST PRACTICES. [Online] Available at: http://elearningindustry.com/inspirational-elearning-quotes-for-elearning-professionals [Accessed 29 May 2015].

Robert L.Mathis, J. H., 2011. Hman Recource Management. 10th ed. New Delhi: Cenagage.

Shen, A. A. J., 2001. So Close and Yet so Far. Academy of Management Journal, Volume 44, pp. 252-270.

Webconferencing, V. I., 2015. Webconfrencing. [Online] Available at: https://webconferencing-test.com/en/about-us/who-we-are [Accessed 20 May 2015].