Implementation Strategies

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

INTRODUCTION 1
THE BUSINESS CONTEXT 3
THE NEW LEARNING MODEL 6
CRITICAL FACTORS FOR SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION 15
JOB AIDS 37
Creating a Marketing Program 38
Maintaining Continuous Support 43
Implementation Checklist 47
Sample Evaluation Checklist and Questionnaire 50

INTRODUCTION

Over the past three decades, information systems have revolutionized worldwide businesses by coordinating and transforming data into a tremendously valuable strategic asset: information.   Technology made storing and distributing information economical and immediate, especially given the recent use of global standards and Internet technologies.   Corporations have literally achieved their reputations and business success based on their ability to bring timely and accurate information to their employees.

Success in today’s fast-changing, increasingly competitive marketplace demands the next step.   Information is vital, but if employees are not properly trained and prepared to do their jobs, then success is fleeting.   There is a higher premium than ever on skilled employees.   Jobs are constantly evolving to fit the market requirements. “Internet time” affects the speed of change, product life cycles and learning curves; and the influx of skilled candidates from the educational system is problematic at best.   Skill gaps are widening and businesses have to respond.

This paper is dedicated to perhaps the most difficult and overlooked task that must be performed if training is to respond to the challenges it faces.   Huge resources are often devoted to a course or a program, but if it is not properly implemented, the money is wasted.   Implementation is not glamorous, it is hard work.   It is also rarely in a person’s job title, so it is easy to ignore.   It is everyone’s responsibility and, therefore, no ones.   But successful implementation skills are vitally important to the success and value of any technical training program.

Successful...