ERIC Number: EJ911756
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1027-5207
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Successful E-Learning in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Paulsen, Morten Flate
European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning, n1 2009
So far, e-learning has primarily been used when there are many learners involved. The up-front investments related to e-learning are relatively high, and may be perceived as prohibitive for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Some e-learning is, however, getting less expensive, and some e-learning models are more suited for small-scale training than others. Therefore, this article presents some e-learning experiences derived from case studies of eighteen enterprises in eight European countries. The case studies represent small, medium-sized and large enterprises as well as e-learning providers. The analysis suggests that SMEs could use e-learning successfully based on three different types of courses: Generic courses, sector courses and internal courses. The small enterprises have so few employees that they are most likely to enrol individual students in generic courses. The medium-sized enterprises may also benefit from more specialized sector courses offered through a branch association or in cooperation with suppliers or chains. Large enterprises may have enough resources to develop e-learning courses internally. The e-learning providers are SMEs that may be especially interesting as examples of how other enterprises may use e-learning in the future. The article concludes with a number of success factors and advantages with e-learning in SMEs. (Contains 1 table.)
Descriptors: Electronic Learning, Small Businesses, Foreign Countries, Corporate Education, Delivery Systems, Online Courses, Performance Factors, Case Studies, Barriers, Cost Effectiveness, Graduation Rate, Participant Satisfaction, Educational Quality, Distance Education, Online Vendors
European Distance and E-Learning Network. Available from: EDEN Secretariat, c/o Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Egry Jozsef u 1, H-1111, Hungary. Tel: +36-1-463-1628; Fax: +36-1-463-1858; e-mail: secretariat@eurodl.org; Web site: http://www.eurodl.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A