e Learning is a very attractive and cost effective method that can be adopted by HR professionals in their regular training activities. This presentation discuss the importance and methodology that can be adapted in e Learning.

1. eLearning for DW Pvt Ltd
PREPARED BY RRUWAN WEERASINGHE
MBA PROGRAM-UNIVERSITY OF WALES

2. 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.

3. 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)

4. Why eLearning…..
 Traditionalclassroomstylemightbemonotonous.
 Abilitytolearnfromacomfortableandconvenientenvironment.
 Convenienceintimeallocation.
 Timeallocatedisusedtothemaximumpotential(Inaclassroom,singlequerymaytakethe
timeofeveryone).
 Onecanadapthisownpaceoflearning(somestudentsarefastlearners).

5. Why eLearning…..cont.
 Lessdisturbances.
 ImprovementofQOL(moretimewithfamilymembers).
 Learnerbuildsmoreself-confidence.
 Lecturer/Trainercangiveindividualfocusedattention.
 Lecturer/Trainerhasmorefreedomintimemanagement.

6. 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 suchas 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)

7. Why DW should get in to eLearning. Advantages
(Cont.)
 TeamManagerisfreerinallocatingtimeandbothtrainerandtraineecanspendmoretimewith
familymembers.
 EasyfortheTopManagementtosupervisethe process,qualityofthecontentandalsothe skill
levelofparticipants.
 TopManagementcangivethefeedbacktotrainers(ortheTeamManager)withoutdisturbing
theprocess.
 Very importantly,cangetthesupportoftheTrainersinHQatMumbai(orChennai)via
Internetwithoutspendingtimeandmoneyforthemto travel.

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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)

11. Choosing a proper software
 Functionality-Whatarethefeaturesavailable
 Usability-Easytouse
 Softwareinstallation-Isitbrowserbasedorinstallationneeded
 Costtransparency-Isitactuallyfree..?
 Security-Isitsafe
 Platformsupport-Whatistheplatformneeded..?(Windows/MacOSX/iOS/Android)
Morecapacityandmoresecurityisavailablewithotherpaidsoftwarepackages.

12. Areas that eLearning can be used
effectively in DW
 Productknowledge
 Trainingoncompliance/ethicalbehavior
 Refreshmentforpreviouslydoneprograms
Methodologycanbedifferentineachareaandcombinationoftoolsandmethodscanbeused

13. Planning for eLearning
Itisnotjustacopyandpasteactivity.AndalsoeverypowerpointpresentationisnoteLearning.Forthe
bestdeliveryofresults,eLearninghastobeawell-plannedandstructuredactivity.EntireeLearning
activityshouldmeetthestrategictrainingneedsofSanofi.Andalsomustfocusonmanagingearlier
mentionedchallengesofeLearing.
Someofthemaincriteriathathastobeconsideredareneedstobeaddressedpromptly

14. Criteria to consider
 Needtoconsiderthefundingrequiredfordevelopmentandimplementationprocess
 Psychologicalbackgroundhastobeprepared.TherecanberesistanceandManagersandHR
personalmightneedtoberetrained.
 Readyaccessibilityforinternetfacilitiesandconnectivity.Companycanassistemployeesin
buyingcomputers(loanschemesordiscountsfromcomputersuppliersonbulkpurchase)and
dataconnections.
 Timeallocationshouldnotconflictwithregular(field)work.
 Changemayrequiresometimetoestablish

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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)

19. 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].