GM case: The Introduction of E-learning and its implementaion
GM chose UNext.com LLC to produce E-learning course, including an MBA program
and degree, specifically for its 88,000 executives and managers.
UNext online subsidiary Cardean University will host existing and customized courses
that it developed in collaboration with five universities, including Stanford University
and Carnegie Mellon University.
Scheduled to launch October 2001, the program will save $4 million annually in General
Motor’s management training budget, which tops $25 million a year, says Donnee
Ramelli, president of General Motors University, the company’s four-year-old training
division. Course content will span a wide range, from finance and marketing to human
resources and manufacturing skills. To meet specific needs for GM, Cardean University
will customize some coursed, such as advanced engineering and manufacturing classes.
Mr. Ramelli also said “The new program will give timestrapped executives another
option for training needs. The company will still provide tuition assistance for
classroom-based career development. This is an alternative to those folks for whom the
night or weekend classes at the local university aren’t working.”
In addition to giving employees convenience, General Motors hopes online instruction
will deliver competitive advantages. With the automotive undergoing rapid change, GM
has to offer quick and efficient training remain current. He also added, “ E-learning is no
panacea. Because some skills are best learned in the classroom, we’re blending our
existing training program, not knocking out classroom training. Programs that involve
both online and classroom learning are being developed.”
This GM’s new move represents that company’s largest E-learning initiative to date.
Previous online training occurred mainly at the more than 7,000 GM dealers nationwide.
For the past several years, sales team at dealership have received Web-based instruction
for new models and serving needs.
Reference: Informationweek: Manhasset; Apr 16, 2001; Elisabeth Goodridge