E-Learning for Training and Development: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Implementation

This article provides a general overview of e-learning for training and development, discussing the major advantages and disadvantages of this approach. It explores how e-learning can address different learning styles and the budgeting considerations involved. The influence of internal and external factors on implementation is also examined, along with successful examples of businesses using e-learning strategies. The article concludes by explaining why e-learning is a suitable approach for training and development, especially in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Managing Human
Resources

Contents
General Overview........................................................................................................................................3
Major Advantages offered...........................................................................................................................3
Manner in which this approach will address the learning styles..................................................................3
Disadvantages of using this approach..........................................................................................................3
Budgeting Considerations............................................................................................................................4
Influence of external and internal factors on implementation......................................................................4
Successful examples....................................................................................................................................4
Reason for choosing this approach..............................................................................................................5
References...................................................................................................................................................6

General Overview
E-learning of electronic learning is a contemporary approach through which training and
development activities are carried out within an organisation (Liebowitz and Frank, 2016). There
can be numerous types of activities which can take place in e-learning such as Task simulations,
tutorials, case studies, team group activities and real life case scenarios for employees to solve.
Major Advantages offered
The major benefits which can be achieved through implementation of e-learning with an
organisation.
 Cost effectiveness is one of the key feature which has been offered by imparting training
through e-learning platforms. It eliminates the need for course materials and instructors
(Srivastava, 2019).
 It is efficient in terms of time as well as managers can provide employees with the access
to materials and does not have to disrupt operations of a business.
 E-learning is also advantageous when it comes to improving productivity and
performance of employees as they can learn at their own pace which further enhances
their motivation and engagement.
 E-learning also focuses on reducing the environment impact as it does not involves
offering a manual handbook to each and every employee.
 Learning over the internet platforms can be advantageous to organisation as it can be
tailored according to the requirements of the business. For this undertaken case study,
business can include some programs that encourages appropriate client dealing and
improved customer services.
Manner in which this approach will address the learning styles
It is the responsibility of human resource department to form an online training program
which has been well-suited for the different learning styles of employees. For instance, there can
be different types of learning such as visual, auditory, reading and kinesthetic learners.
Therefore, it is important to form a training and development program that carries a combination
approach inclusive of text, visual, audio and simulations (Kasemsap, 2016). Undertaking a
combination approach will make sure that employees with different learning styles are able to get
the desired output of this training initiative. A business can take into consideration the use of
micro learning and specialized exercises so that learner is able to identify his/her progress and
improve on personal and professional grounds.
Disadvantages of using this approach
Below mentioned are some of the disadvantages of utilizing e-learning approaches for
training and development.

 No matter how hard a manager tries to opt for combination approach, e-learning training
and development program does not meet the requirements of all the targeted employees.
The lack of flexibility offered hampers the output of this initiative.
 The learning through their own multimedia channels can lead to isolation. This means
that employees are not awarded with an opportunity to clear their queries and innovative
when it comes to dealing with clients.
 It is a relatively newer concept so some of the employees may find learning over the
internet platforms to be challenging. Tech issues are another challenge which may
hamper the process of learning for employees.
 Learning over the internet have not proved to be as transformation as real life learning.
This is a major disadvantage as employees may not be able to show any improvement in
their techniques of services offered (Macleod and Kefallonitis, 2017).
Budgeting Considerations
The budgeting consideration starts prior a business conducts a training needs assessment
which helps in analyzing the training need and its usefulness for the coming 2-3 years. The
budgeting consideration requires administration of cost of choosing a LMS (Learning
Management system), consultation charges, direct costs involving AV costs, technology costs
and materials. On the other hand, indirect costs include loss of working hours which has been
spent on training and negative impact on production output. It is necessary to consider all those
factors to make sure a suitable and cost efficient e-learning program is developed.
Influence of external and internal factors on implementation
It can be said that E-learning can be influenced by both factors present in the internal as well
as external environment. The internal factors that may influence e-learning are as follows:
 Willingness of learners
 Experience of learners
 Organisational impact of e-learning
 Organisational culture and support
 Monetary incentives
There are some external factors which may impact the e-learning are mentioned below:
 Political circumstances
 Unfavorable socio-economic circumstances due to pandemic
 Technical errors
 Legal compliances
Therefore, it is important for a business to make sure that all the internal as well as external
influences are considered before devising a plan. It is also essential to form a contingency plan to
make sure that interest of both the parties is retained.

Successful examples
Briefly mentioning two example of successful business which have successfully employed e-
learning strategies to train their workforce.
 Jaguar Land Rover is one of the premium automotive manufacturer operating throughout
the world. This business has launched a program known as mindfulness at work which
will be helpful in fulfilling personal as well as corporate needs of employees. The
training and development initiative will be helpful to employees in remaining focused
over the tasks and promotes creativity as well (MINDFULNESS, 2020). This e-learning
course have been developed in association with Kalapa Academy.
 The another successful example which can be considered for e-learning is of Walmart, it
is a renowned retailer operating throughout the world. This business is using VR (Virtual
Reality) as a means to train associates through creating a real life experiences. This
retailer has been using VR to train employees for departments such as customer service,
compliances and development of soft skills (How VR is Transforming the Way We Train
Associates, 2018). It is a new experience and employees are accepting this new approach
to learning.
Reason for choosing this approach.
On a final note it can be said that, Considering the Covid-19 pandemic it is most suitable
to opt for e-learning as a primary approach to impart training and development initiatives to
people working for the company. This approach requires a strategic planning as there is a need to
consider negative internal and external influences which are present in the market. The
effectiveness and efficiency in context of cost and time makes it one of the suitable approach to
be employed by the business.

References
Books and Journal
Liebowitz, J. and Frank, M. eds., 2016. Knowledge management and e-learning. CRC press.
Kasemsap, K., 2016. The roles of e-learning, organizational learning, and knowledge
management in the learning organizations. In Civil and Environmental Engineering: Concepts,
Methodologies, Tools, and Applications (pp. 1198-1228). IGI Global.
Srivastava, P., 2019. Advantages & Disadvantages of E-Education & E-Learning. Journal of
Retail Marketing & Distribution Management, 2(3), pp.22-27.
Macleod, J. and Kefallonitis, E., 2017. Trends affecting e-learning experience management.
In Strategic innovative marketing (pp. 753-758). Springer, Cham.
Online
How VR is Transforming the Way We Train Associates. 2018. [online]. Available through:
<https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/innovation/20180920/how-vr-is-transforming-the-
way-we-train-associates>.
MINDFULNESS. 2020. [online]. Available
through:<https://wellbeing.jaguarlandrover.com/resources>.