Evaluation and design of a corporate e-learning platform for the B2B market : a case study for MTS PJSC

There is great potential globally and in Russia particularly for the growth of e-learning. This thesis aims to analyze the corporate e-learning market in Russia, evaluate e-learning systems and recommend the most vital technical features for its platform. In addition, the study examined key aspects of effective e-learning courses. The work was commissioned by MTS PJSC, the largest telecommunication company in Russia, with the objective of acquiring information valuable for the evaluation and design of a new service for the B2B market. The study was divided into two main parts: literature review and empirical research. The first part of the study analyzed literature on e-learning environments including worldwide trends, market segments, technical standards, corporate e-learning platforms and basic features of learning management systems. In addition, adult learning theory and learning methods were considered. The empirical work investigates corporate learning and e-learning in real-life context and includes the participation of about 40 differently sized companies from different business fields. A case study research methodology was therefore applied. Data for the study were acquired by means of semi-structured interviews, a focus group interview, and a semi-structured questionnaire. Analysis of the results of the study revealed characteristics, trends, and limitations of e-learning development in Russia. Key technical features were also identified and formulated taking into account company size. Based on the findings, and following andragogy principles and the Kolb’s learning model, recommendations were made for organization of online courses. In addition, a prototype of an online course was designed