Globalization:
Factors Influencing E-Learning Decisions
Presented by
Gregory C. Sales, Ph.D.
Seward Incorporated
MNISPI
December 8, 2006

Factors
• Localization
• Infrastructure
• Design and delivery
• Tools available for use
• Cost and cost recovery

More Than Translation
English
What would happen if you dropped two balls with the same
shape but different masses off a table at the same time with the
same speed? Which will fall to the ground first? Write your
hypothesis.
Arabic
‫ماذا سيحدث لى أسقطت كرتين متشابهتين في الشكل ومختلفين في الكتلة من على طاولة في‬
‫.نفس الىقت وبنفس السرعة؟ أكتب فرضيتك‬

Meaning?
Mexico City

Meaning?
Sydney

Things are Different
Mexico City

Localization
Languages and Localization
• Double byte issues
• Length of a screen or field of text when
translated
• Use of language, terms and images that
are location specific
• Different approaches to training based
on cultural norms

Things can be Very Different
Manila, Philippines
Dhaka, Bangladesh

Localization
Culture
• Different attitudes about learning
• Different attitudes about completion and
schedules
• Different holidays and vacation schedules
• Different work days
• Clothing
• Working environments
• Modes of transportation
• Architecture

Sensitivities
Oman

Technology and Regulations
Dhaka, Bangladesh

Infrastructure
Technology and Timeliness
• Computer quality and capability
• Connectivity and bandwidth
• Phasing rollouts to reduce the load on the
system
• Having multiple hosting sites for speed,
efficiency and redundancy
• Differing work schedules, holidays, etc.