Friday, July 27th, 2007

APO to Train Over 900 in 16 Countries via GDLN

E-Learning is Embraced as Effective and Environmentally Friendly Method

The Asian Productivity Organization (APO） embraces e-learning on an unprecedented scale this summer, providing 3 training programs in 9 phases for more than 900 participants in 16 countries via the GDLN. Amounting to roughly 40% of the total number trained by the organization annually in face-to-face sessions, the APO hopes to intensify its focus on e-learning as a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional training methods.

One of the TDLC’s earliest partners, the APO has steadily expanded its e-learning ventures, running 2 programs in 5 phases for 12 countries in 2006 at a considerable savings in cost. Compared to a typical face-to-face program, the APO was able to deliver these programs last year through the GDLN at an average cost of approximately US$130.00 per person per day, a 60-70% reduction.

Cooperation has expanded on a regional scale too, with National Productivity Organizations exploring ways to collaborate with local GDLN Center counterparts. In the near future, the TDLC hopes to enhance the relationship by tapping into APO’s wealth of intellectual resources to coordinate new programs involving other regional partners.

“So far, the feedback has been very positive”, says APO Program Officer (Industry Department) K.D. Bhardwaj.

“The only difference between face-to-face sessions is that the lecturer is not right in front of you, but we send PowerPoints to participants in advance and ask them to send in questions by e-mail”.

To increase effectiveness, plenty of interactive activity is built into the sessions. A typical APO program lasts for 4 days: On the first 2 days, lectures are given via videoconference. The third day is reserved for local activities including group work on a case study with a local coordinator as well as a field visit. A final videoconference is held on the fourth day where participants give presentations to share their findings.

“Participants are more confident in a videoconference. They don’t feel shy because they are sitting in their own group, and ask more questions” observes Mr. Bhardwaj. When a select group of participants go on to receive further training in the conventional face-to-face method, they are better prepared because of their e-learning experience.

This year, the 3 topics on offer are “Green Productivity and Integrated Management Systems” (given in 3 phases to 15 countries), “Toyota Production System” (given in 3 phases to 15 countries), and “ISO22000” (given in 3 phases to 14 countries), running from July to October.

“We try to choose unique programs not offered by other organizations to draw interest”, says Mr. Bhardwaj. The Toyota Production System is always popular, and ISO22000 is of great significance to SMEs who need to implement it to remain competitive.

Mr. Bhardwaj points to an added bonus: “Videoconference is a good way to care for the environment”. This is an issue which the APO takes seriously in its efforts to minimize CO2 emissions to become carbon-neutral. “There are 130 participants in our current program. That’s 130 flights saved!”, stresses Industry Department Director Takuki Murayama.