Bersin & Associates estimates that complying with regulatory guidelines accounts for 30% of training- related technology expenditures. Many technology expenditures have been justified simply on the basis of keeping more accurate and accessible compliance records. Current research has revealed some interesting challenges regarding compliance training and technology:

Varying requirements. An interesting aspect of compliance training involves the levels of complexity imposed by the various regulating agencies. Some require nothing more than a record of completion (e.g., transportation agencies) while others impose specific technology capabilities to ensure that electronic records are not compromised (e.g., FDA CFR Part 11). These requirements could impact the instructional material, the system used to maintain records, and potentially even the delivery mechanisms. Most enterprise-wide programs, such as sexual harassment, are monitored by the company itself -- not a specific government agency.

International programs. Meeting international compliance requirements adds additional complexity. Companies that operate globally may be under the jurisdiction of a number of agencies – each with different requirements. The compliance training for a major cruise line (profiled in a case study just released by Bersin & Associates) is monitored by over 100 agencies from all over the world. International regulations can impact data consolidation strategies (disparate data may need to be combined for the company to monitor global compliance), the languages used in the instructional materials, and even the nature of the data that is captured (for instance, some EU countries prohibit the capture of performance metrics for some training programs).

These and other considerations should be taken into account especially by organizations that spend heavily on compliance training such as those in financial services, healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing. Bersin & Associates research members can access case studies that provide more insight in dealing with these and other challenges. See full article for details on how compliance also impacts program design and systems integration.

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This month’s featured case study describes Odyssey HealthCare’s deployment of a hosted LMS (LearnCenter) to provide training to more than 5,000 employees in 30 states and to support federal and state compliance requirements. This case study covers the planning, content development, technology selections, and change management that were involved in the transition from a model that focused primarily on classroom-based training to one which uses a centralized learning system for the delivery of e-learning and blended learning programs.

You’ll also find details about how Odyssey meets training requirements related to internal, state, and federal regulations, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Conditions of Participation (required for hospices receiving Medicare payments, the Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

Research Members: Visit the research center to download the Odyssey case study.
Non-members: This case study is available to non-members for a limited time; register to download today.

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If you have not already submitted your application, this is a reminder that there are only two weeks to go until applications are due on August 31.

Remember: Everyone who applies – not just the award winners -- receives a copy of the in-depth follow-on report, High Impact Learning Leaders: Lessons from the World's Leading Corporate Learning Organizations.

We are here to help! If you have any questions, such as which category is the best fit or how to apply on behalf of a customer, please contact Diane Siroky at 203.270.7966 or diane.siroky@bersin.com.

We look forward to receiving your applications and hearing about your learning programs!

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Organizational Effectiveness Is Within Your Reach
[Training Magazine]

Every day, training organizations grapple with a contradictory mandate: Reach out to larger audiences, yet reduce the per-learner budget. But, many can succeed by continually improving organizational efficiencies and effectiveness. Bersin & Associates documents these best practices in its study "The High-Impact Learning Organization: What Works in the Management, Operations and Governance of Corporate Training." Read the full article to learn what are among the best practices shared by the most efficient and well-managed organizations.

Performance Management Systems: Realizing True Benefits Post Implementation
[Workforce Performance Magazine]

Increasingly, organizations are adopting complex performance management approaches in reaction to international workforce transformations as well as internal business transformations. Specifically, the aging workforce, upcoming baby-boomer retirements, looming talent shortage, global expansion and business acquisitions drive this increase. According to Josh Bersin, CEO of Bersin & Associates, companies confronted by such issues, especially larger organizations, will continue to imbed more complex performance management processes into the different facets of talent management to gain more flexibility in dealing with business change. Read the full article.

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WEBINARS

• Encore Performance: Performance Management 2006
  August 23, 2006, 2:00 p.m. ET
  Chris Howard, Principal Analyst

  This one-hour webinar will summarize Bersin & Associates’ breakthrough new research on the fast-growing market for performance management systems and solutions. It will describe the seven key elements of performance management, key vendors and market dynamics and best practices, and case studies in enterprise performance management. Register for this event.

• Using Technology for Compliance Training
  August 30, 2006, 2:00 p.m. ET
  Chris Howard, Principal Analyst
  Ted Schneider, Senior VP Product Development, Learn.com

  Training for various types of compliance now drives 30% of training technology expenditures. In some industries such as health care and financial services, the percentage is even higher. The unique requirements of compliance programs must be considered during the technology acquisition and planning process in order to ensure that these needs will be met. Incorporating recent research conducted by Bersin & Associates, this event will address such issues as the unique requirements of compliance in the technology planning process; integration issues dealing with content and other enterprise systems. Register for this event.

• Learning Development Is Not Leadership Training: An Organizational Maturity Model for Leadership Development
  September 06, 2006, 2:00 p.m. ET
  Kim Lamoureux, Senior Analyst

  Are your leadership development programs closely aligned to the business strategy? Does your senior executive management team support your leadership initiatives? In one hour, you’ll get an expert’s overview of these topics and others, such as where and how learning on demand fits into your own leadership development training strategy. Register for this event.

• Blended Learning in Leadership Development
  September 20, 2006, 2:00 p.m. ET
  Kim Lamoureux, Senior Analyst

  Cultivating top talent requires new training strategies. Leaders are busier than ever and have high expectations for learning. Learning must be easily accessible, but also highly relevant, innovative, and on demand. This presentation is aimed at learning and development professionals involved in creating effective learning solutions for emerging and current leaders. Register for this event.

Missed it live? Research members can view all recorded webinars by clicking on the links below. Not a member? Sign up for a trial membership today.

WORKSHOPS

New Workshops! Expanded Agenda! New Dates!
Introducing One-Day, Intensive Workshop on Performance and Talent Management; Newly Expanded Agenda for Acclaimed Workshop on High- Impact Learning Organizations

Dates for Bersin & Associates Fall 2006 workshops have now been set.

• New this season: “Implementing Successful Performance and Talent Management Series,” a one-day workshop focused on the issues, challenges, and best practices related to performance and talent management. Targeted to HR and learning executives and professionals, the agenda covers a wide range of topics, including the performance management maturity model, which can be used to help you match the processes and technology best suited to your current stage and future strategy; the seven fundamental elements critical to any performance management initiative; the organizational impact of performance and talent management; and the available technology options that can bring new efficiencies to business processes.

  As with all Bersin & Associates workshops, attendees interact directly with analysts and peers throughout the workshop, leave with detailed action plans, and can obtain ongoing advice and guidance. Attendees receive a complimentary copy of Performance Management 2006: Market Analysis, Trends, Best Practices, and Vendor Profiles.

  • October 3, 2006 [Chicago, Hotel Monaco]
  
  
  • November 16, 2006 [San Francisco, Grand Hyatt Hotel]
    
  • December 1, 2006 [New York City, The Yale Club]

  Visit our website for a detailed agenda, registration information, and member discounts.

• Back by popular demand with a newly expanded agenda: “Building a High-Impact Learning Organization.” This workshop received rave reviews last season for the insights and actions required to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of corporate training.

  In response to attendee feedback, the workshop has been extended to a one-and-a-half-day format to provide more time for discussion and workgroup activities and to incorporate the analysis of three detailed case studies on effectiveness measurements, phased LMS implementation, and learning governance models.

  • November 14-15, 2006 [San Francisco, Grand Hyatt Hotel]
  
  
  • November 29-30, 2006 [New York City, The Yale Club]

  Visit our website for a detailed agenda, registration information, and member discounts.

CONFERENCES

Workforce Performance 2006 (formerly TechLearn)
[September 9-13, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas]

• Sunday, September 10: Bob Danna and Leighanne DeMarzo present a one-day workshop, Optimizing Your Learning Organization for Peak Performance.
• Sunday, September 10: Josh Bersin will deliver a keynote address, Learning and Performance Management: The Convergence Is Here.
• Monday, September 11: Josh Bersin will present Diving Deeper into the Performance Management Market.
• Tuesday, September 12: Chris Howard will host a panel discussion, Integrated Performance Management Success Stories. Panelists will include Gary Short, a senior consultant in talent management for Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Will Roth, director of performance management, Textron.

Josh Bersin will present What You Still Need to Learn About Learning Management Systems, Wednesday, October 4. This presentation will demystify the components of an LMS, explain and compare the leading vendors’ products (including those for mid-market companies), give a proven seven-step process for selection, and provide tips for successful implementation and management.

Training Solutions 2006 Conference & Expo
[Oct 23-25, 2006, Denver]

Chris Howard will be delivering three presentations at this conference:

• LCMSs: What They Are and How to Know if You Need One
  
• Guidelines for Success with an LCMS
  
• Selecting an LMS: How to Cut to the Chase

Josh Bersin will have several roles in the upcoming Learning 2006 conference, hosted by Elliott Masie. Bersin will host a thought leader session on the convergence of learning and talent management, facilitate a session on organizing for greatest business impact, and join a discussion with other learning leaders on the business of learning. He will also participate in the LMS and LCMS community groups. The agenda for Learning 2006 will be finalized soon.

Click to hear Josh and Elliott Masie discuss the current state of learning, including topics such as trends in compliance management, the changing market for products and services, and talent management.

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Bersin & Associates is looking for volunteers to help us refine our annual learning trends survey, one of the most important research initiatives conducted by the company.

Volunteers will take the survey and then discuss the survey-taking experience with a Bersin & Associates analyst. (The entire process – the survey completion and the follow-up phone call will require less than one hour of time.) All volunteers will receive a complimentary copy of the Corporate Learning Factbook: Benchmarks and Analysis of U.S. Corporate Learning and Development. This 67-page study (a $595 value) provides a broad set of benchmark data, analyzed by industry and company size, which can be used to assess your learning organization.

If you’re a training professional with knowledge of your company’s training staff and budget, work for a company with more than 100 employees, and would like to participate, please email Karen O'Leonard. Phone interviews need to be conducted by August 21.

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Key new research studies available for members only:

Streamlining the Compliance Process
Holland America automates training and reporting to meet the requirements of over 100 different agencies. Training is delivered on-board the company’s ships while compliance data is synchronized, via satellite, to a central repository. Download today.

On the Road to Talent Management
Starting with a manual competency assessment program established in 1992 for recruiting and performance reviews, Steelcase has now automated the entire employee development process. Download today.