Implementing E-Learning

Losing Faith in E-Learning

A large consulting firm was hired to create e-learning to teach the principles of free cash flow to 5,000 managers. Several hundred thousand dollars later, the consulting firm handed off an e-learning package showing the benefits of free cash flow. People who participated in the pilot loved the program and came away feeling that they could put it to work. Nevertheless, the e-learning was an abysmal failure. Of the 5,000 managers, only 150 showed up to explore the e-learning and significantly fewer completed it.

What went wrong? Management was unwilling to endorse the program and champion its use. Despite the consultant’s advice, they refused to hold learners accountable or to provide incentives for participation. Senior ...