“Understanding the real value of learning is one of the major challenges for corporate learning and development (L&D) now and in the future” said David Wilson, eLearnity’s Managing Director and principal for the Learning Scorecard research. “Increasing demands from the business together with greater focus on return on investment (ROI) and alternative methods of delivery such as e-learning and blended learning are putting much greater pressure on L&D to run as a professional business function. That means understanding the value you add to the business now, and how you will add more value in the future. This is fundamental to the future of L&D.”

“It is vital that we are able quantify the business impact of learning interventions” said Gordon Dunn, Head of Retail Academy for Marks & Spencer and one of the project participators. “I see this as the single differentiator between a good L&D function and a great L&D function.” Ryan Eager, a learning strategist with BP also commented “Measuring our performance is a key element of building a robust capability culture in BP’s Human Resource function.”

The collaborative project consists of a combination of external research, analysis and knowledge sharing workshops covering internal best practice (the collaborative group), external best practice (the market), and analysing and developing a framework approach going forward. These workshops are supported by independent profiling and research activities, and expert analysis by eLearnity. A summary of the results from the research will be announced at the end of January 2004.

Note for Editors

David Wilson will be previewing some of the key findings from the Learning Scorecard collaborative research at presentations at the eLearnExpo in Paris on Friday January 23rd and at Learning Technologies Conference at Olympia on Wednesday 28th January. An executive summary paper covering key aspects of the research will also be available from eLearnity in the New Year.

About eLearnity

Formed in 1996, eLearnity is Europe’s leading independent learning analyst with a track record of providing strategic advice, best practice research and expert consultancy to major corporations in the UK and Europe. eLearnity provides expert independent advice on learning and e-learning best practice, strategic market analysis, and independent advisory consultancy, supported by in-depth research and independent market and vendor profiling. Key topic areas include: e-learning strategy, evaluation and ROI, blended learning, enterprise learning management, leadership development, collaborative learning and other key areas of corporate learning. Customers include: BAA, B&Q, BP, BT, Cable & Wireless, Coca-Cola Enterprises Europe, HSBC, Marks & Spencer, Marsh, Pfizer, Royal Bank of Scotland and Vodafone.

ENDS

Press contact details: Elaine Wilson Tel: +44 (0)20 7917 1870 Fax: +44 (0)20 7917 1871 Email: elainew@elearnity.com

eLearnity limited Shilling House 20 Ampney Crucis Cirencester GLOS. GL7 5SA