Commercial success relies on developing skilled middle managers to execute business strategy. However, training budgets are shrinking. E-learning is presented as a solution to develop managers in a cost-effective way that allows them to learn flexibly. The challenges are ensuring e-learning is aligned with business needs, that learners are motivated, and that senior management supports e-learning's integration.

1. The challenge for E-learning:Developing managers to execute business strategyTMA World Viewpoint

2. The challenge for E-learningDeveloping managers to execute business strategyCommercial success relies on developing highly skilled, adaptable middle management to execute strategy - by aligning operations to the overall strategy of the organisation. But training budgets are shrinking and HR functions are being trimmed down? This has to be one of the biggest challenges we face as training professionals.E-learning is the answer!Changes to the social, economic and technological environments in which we work support e-learning adoption.

3. The challenge for E-learningBusinesses are evolving into 24/7 work environmentsEmployees are beginning to demand greater work-life balanceGlobalisation creates a greater reliance on virtual teamsMiddle managers need to evolve into effective leaders and change agents as well as remain highly skilled workersNext generation managers are motivated by challenge as well as rewardInternet technology adoption and deployment spans all aspects of life

4. The challenge for E-learningBusinesses are evolving into 24/7 work environmentsE-Learning is available as and when they need it. The challenge is making it relevant so they are motivated to logon! Employees are beginning to demand greater work-life balanceOnline education, designed as a toolkit rather than a linear course, gives managers a just-in-time resource that is always available to them. Globalisation creates a greater reliance on virtual teamsMuch of the informal coaching and peer support can no longer be assumed. However, e-learning can provide some of these skills development needs. The real issue is ensuring e-learning content quality and relevance so that it is a valued, meaningful development medium

5. The challenge for E-learningMiddle managers need to evolve into effective leaders and change agents as well as remain highly skilled workers.e-learning can be cost-effective where targeting large numbers of geographically dispersed people. Next generation managers are motivated by challenge as well as rewardThis is a future face of middle management - a new generation who are comfortable with the online world and understand the need for life-long learning. Internet technology adoption and deployment spans all aspects of lifeThe Internet is also a very cost-effective and efficient means to deliver knowledge and skills to the growing bands of knowledge-based workers.

6. The challenge for E-learningTo succeed we need to actively address a number of challenges: E-Learning needs to be rigorously aligned with business needs. Boards and senior management need to exercise leadership to effect this alignment. Learners need appropriate motivation. 132

7. The challenge for E-learningE-Learning needs to be rigorously aligned with business needs. Carefully ensure that what is being delivered genuinely helps our managers execute business strategy. Boards and senior management need to exercise leadership to effect this alignment. 1. Encourage training and business people to integrate e-learning into development programmes. 2. Encourage line managers to value work-based learning as a fundamental component of working life.3. Validate that e-learning does advance business objectives. Learners need appropriate motivation.The result of the learning experience needs to be valuable and meaningful. People learn if they understand the benefits to their joband are supported and encouraged to learn.

8. The challenge for E-learningWe need to create the right environment and culture in which e-learning is valuable to individual career progression as well as organisational success. That, to my mind, requires us to capitalise on the current environmental trends that support e-learning. But it also places the onus on us to build appropriate levels of senior management support to deliver on a vastly under-rated management education promise.

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