Learning Business

Arthur Richardson has been involved in corporate education for over 15 years

and was a pioneer of computer-based training/multimedia in Australia. He has

been involved in the design, development and implementation of online learning

for over five years. His current position with Sun Educational Services involves

evangelizing e-learning across the APAC region 

How can IT training companies meet the increasing demand for

techno-functional professionals with domain knowledge?



Our strategy involves restructuring content in the training material and

delivering it in chunks that relate to specific requirements of the job. The

vertical segments we are currently working with are manufacturing, finance and

e-governance. We work closely with our clients in identifying and understanding

the specific areas where training is required. Once that is done, we work with

content partners to develop courses that match these requirements. In July 2001,

we purchased a Canadian learning management system company Isopia. The decision

to purchase Isopia was part of our strategy to deliver end-to-end learning

solutions to our customers.

Could you give an example of the use of customized training?



A Korean electronics conglomerate wanted to train its business people in

e-commerce. We first divided their team into streams–super technical

architects, programmers and developers and the sales force. We designed an

exhaustive 40 hours a week, 26-week course. Though the introduction to

e-commerce and certain other modules were common to all, the course content was

customized according to the specific needs and level of awareness of each

stream. For instance, the technical team was taught only the essential aspects

of the business side and the sales force was imparted task-specific technical

knowledge.

Is Sun’s training course content in India any different?



Some course content is generic but there is customization where required. For
instance, for a customer like Bank of India, it makes sense to develop content

locally as per the needs of the bank. Apart from a better understanding of the

cultural requirements, the physical proximity of the Indian partner is an added

advantage. Our strategy is to have alliances with third party content providers.

Where is the IT training industry headed?



Historically in India, Sun has been involved in instructor-led training

through partners. We are now training our sales force to sell entire training

solutions. Instructor led, classroom based training is increasingly giving way

to learning any where, any time. One will not see professionals who are working

chucking a job for attending day-long classes. Even students otherwise, prefer

to learn when it suits them. The demand is thus for 24X7 e-learning facilities.

What are the criteria Sun employs for selecting partners?



At Sun, we first identify the skills we have and the skills we need. We then

look for people involved in IT education and with large networks to meet these

needs. We do have ‘Rules of engagement’ which specify aspects like who owns

the customer–Sun on the partner. There are cases where the partner wants Sun

to deal with the customer directly and provide the entire solution. In cases

where the partners share a good rapport with the customer, Sun does not

interfere.

Could you elaborate on the educational portal project that you have been

involved in?



The portal project comprises the entire gamut of interaction with

universities–ensuring that not just learning but selecting and applying for

courses, testing and records are all available online. The portal project is a

joint venture set up by eight departments of education in Australia and

functions as a private company. It aims to provide resources in the form of

content and tools to schools and teachers.

So what is it that a good education portal must have?



To begin with, the portal should be designed from the educational not

technology point of view. Functionality is the key. The secret lies in future

proofing the actual solution. Throughout the process of building the portal, one

must continue to interact with the customer regularly. With the rapidly changing

trends in this arena, it is critical for you to be on the same track as the

customer.

Given the awareness among Indian IT students, almost every resume boasts

of a ‘certified’ stamp. But how do you maintain quality in awarding

certification?



We had as many as 333 certifications in India last month. Certified
professionals are allowed to print their credentials on the business cards. But

it is not easy to get a Sun certification. In fact, the courses have a high

failure rate. The questions are edited psychometrically and are revised

frequently. Instructors first need to pass an exam that covers the entire course

before they are permitted to conduct classes for the certifying exams.

Manjiri Kalghatgi in New Delhi