The Good Guys retail chain is using e-learning to deliver education and training in loss prevention to its retail staff in over 70 stores nationwide.
As a result of theft, administration errors, burglary, hold-ups, and cheque and credit card fraud The Good Guys retail stores lose over $1 million a year.
This demonstration is designed to reduce that loss through promoting consistent policies and procedures to retail staff.
Moreover, the e-learning initiative is being funded by the national training system's e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework,
The 2008 Australian Flexible Learning Framework provides the vocational education and training (VET) system with the essential e-learning infrastructure and expertise needed to respond to the challenges of a modern economy.
It was launched as a strategy in 2000, responding to information and communication technology (ICT) developments in the workplace and is part of an agreement between the federal government, state and territories to work together to advance e-learning.
Industry Integration of E-learning is one of nine 2008 Framework business activities. Funding is provided to selected business clusters with industry-wide influence to implement innovative e-learning solutions in 2008
At the Good Guys, staff will participate in a series of e-learning modules using a combination of animations, images, voiceovers, simulations and questions, before completing online and practical assessments.
Although the demonstration is specific to the retail industry, it can be used as a guide to developing an e-learning solution across a variety of industries.
To access The Good Guys e-learning demonstration, its case study, business plan and other additional information visit: http://tinyurl.com/2n4xl5
Interestingly, it has only been in the last five years that e-learning has started to pick up pace in Australia. In 2001, Asia Pacific spending on e-learning comprised only one per cent of worldwide e-learning revenues.
By 2005, this had changed drastically with IDC claiming the e-learning market in the region had reached US$233 million with a compound annual growth rate of 25 per cent.
IDC notes that the largest markets for e-learning in the Asia-Pacific are Australia, Korea, China and Singapore.
One of the most ambitious e-learning projects undertaken in Australia was by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) which established the Defence Online Management and Instructional Network, which utilises libraries, learning objects and content reuse to fulfil its vision of technology-supported training.
For more information about 2008 funding opportunities and the 40 industry e-learning demonstrations developed between 2005 - 2007 visit the E-learning for Industry Web site at: http://industry.flexiblelearning.net.au.