The corporate media -based training program for information systems professionals: A collective case study

As the costs of training in the business setting continue to rise, trainers must provide training that is both effective and low in cost. Trainers often meet the increased need for just-in-time training by using media-based training as “companies find themselves turning into institutions of continuous learning” (Rosow, & Zager, 1988). The purpose of this collective case study was to describe and to understand three corporate training programs that use media-based delivery of training for their Information Systems professionals. This research used a qualitative case study approach. The data mere gathered through interviews with corporate trainers and Information Systems professionals at each site, through observations, through documents and training records from each site and through the researcher\u27s field log. The data from each site were analyzed as a separate case; then a cross-case analysis was done. The major analysis approach was to identify themes and processes within each training program and then across the three cases to describe similarities and differences between the cases. The findings of this study have significance for corporate trainers, management of Information Systems areas and those Information Systems professionals who need continual upgrading of their skills to complete their work. There are many ways in which to bring training to Information Systems professionals through a variety of training programs; an examination of some of these programs led to a better understanding of both the diversity and commonality of these programs. The assertions made because of this study will contribute to future research of media-based training programs. Future researchers will be able to conduct case study research and look for replication of patterns, events or themes between the cases they study and the cases included in this research. Several implications for practice evolved from this study. (1) Many characteristics of each media-based training program may be related to the maturity of the program. (2) Information Systems professionals often self-select into a media-based training program, rather than waiting for a mandate from management. (3) Evaluation is not central to any of the programs. Much of the literature speaks to the importance of evaluation (Robinson & Robinson, 1989; Gerber, 1995; ASTD, 1995; ASTD, Fall, 1996). However, none of the three programs conducts formal evaluations. (4) Each trainer indicated a long-term goal of expansion of his or her media-based training program. Based upon findings, three principle actions were identified for the trainers. (1) Implement a marketing plan which will target both the Information Systems professionals and their management. (2) Focus on being a change agent within the corporate culture. (3) Partner with the Information Systems professionals whenever possible