Learning & Development

Surveys Say: Time Constraints and Technical Knowledge Drive Training Solutions

Training in ‘bite-sized pieces’
CEOs are more concerned about offering succinct training than they are about content, delivery format, and cost, according to a recent Skillsoft (www.skillsoft.com) survey conducted by U.K. research company OpinionMatters.

“This research shows that business leaders increasingly appreciate the value of learning,” said Kevin Young, managing director, Skillsoft EMEA. “However, while training budgets themselves are not being cut, the time businesses have available to undertake training sessions is clearly shrinking.”

What does that mean for trainers?
“Courses need to be more succinct and to-the-point than ever, delivered in highly relevant, bite-sized pieces,” Young said. “Cost may not be a priority for the CEO, but it will and should matter to the Training and Development team ….”


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What does that mean for trainers?
“Courses need to be more succinct and to-the-point than ever, delivered in highly relevant, bite-sized pieces,” Young said. “Cost may not be a priority for the CEO, but it will and should matter to the Training and Development team ….”

The study found that 42 percent of CEOs think that the length of a course is a more important deciding factor than its content; they prefer shorter courses that require less time and allow for employees to remain productive while receiving necessary training.

Interestingly, measurable return on investment from training mattered most to only 7 percent of respondents, while only 6 percent identified delivery format as an important factor in choosing training.

In addition, the study showed that 61 percent of CEOs have a mobile learning strategy in place, and 24 percent plan to embrace mobile learning in the near future.

Executive leadership development
A global survey, conducted by IEDP with assistance from Skillsoft, Deloitte, Cranfield University, and Wharton Executive Education, found that most senior executives are open to using new learning technologies for executive leadership development.


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However, they lack an understanding of current online learning options that are available to them. Specifically, the survey found that more than 60 percent of executives spend at least half their day using a computer or mobile device. While 76 percent of participants indicated that they have a moderate or limited knowledge of what online learning products are currently available to executives, only 14 percent said they have a good understanding, and 10 percent said they have no knowledge in this area.

What is the takeaway for training professionals?
“HR and learning and development staff need to work together to introduce executives to the rich set of online learning solutions that are available,” said John Ambrose, senior vice president, Strategy, Corporate Development and Emerging Business, Skillsoft.

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