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ASTD Economic Survival Guide

Action Plan, Page 2

Review budgets for efficiencies.

Your 2009 budget will likely be reduced. You will need to do more with less. At the same time, employee performance and accountability for performance is at an all-time high so you not only need to do more with less but you need to shine. Consider adopting a few of these approaches to work more creatively with your learning dollars.

1. Reduce the number of “nice-to-haves” at training events or meetings and focus on what is necessary to help learners retain information and apply what they learn on the job.

2. Consider your ability to create more in-house training by possibly re-using pieces of existing content or use more e-learning or other lower-cost alternatives which will help to lessen the dependency on travel dollars.

3. Pool learning-related resources (classrooms, instructors, etc.) with other organizations or providers.

Use technology-based learning applications.

Currently, from the ASTD State of the Industry report, 30 percent of learning hours are spent using e-learning. While this percentage has increased over time, use of instructor-led training is still dominant. You may realize some cost savings, added flexibility, and greater reach by considering e-learning or virtual platforms. Have you thought about some of these ideas?

1. Shift some of your most widely used training programs to e-learning applications or virtual delivery formats. Don’t forget about rapid design software, performance management software, and learning management systems. You may pay for upfront development fees but the cost-savings will be realized quickly.

2. Use technology-based simulations to provide a new way of learning. Some off-the-shelf simulation products may work for your most immediate needs.

3. Encourage more communities of practice, wikis, and blogs.

4. Use webinars and podcasts for short, just-in-time learning opportunities.