Chapter 4 - Minicase 2

Cisco Systems Pioneer E-Learning

In preparation for answering the questions, review the Cisco Systems web site.

  1. What were the drivers of e-learning at Cisco?

    Cisco realized that training is a constant requirement. People must continually be trained on new products and retrained on old ones. In-house classes, whilst effective, can only be offered at certain times, and are expensive in terms of both travel and loss of productivity while people are attending the classes. By offering e-learning, people can train on their own schedule at their home base.

  2. How can e-learning empower employees and partners?

    E-learning empowers the workforce and partners with the skills and knowledge necessary to be competitive in the rapidly changing field of technology. As new products are produced, people can be simultaneously offered training, increasing their knowledge, sales, and service.

  3. What, in your opinion, made this E-learning project a success?

    E-learning is fast, efficient, and very responsive to the changing products offered by Cisco. New modules can be released with each product, ensuring that both the sales and the service organizations have the opportunity to learn all they can about new products in a timely fashion.

  4. Can a small company use such E-learning? Why or why not?

    All companies can use E-learning. Many vendors have similar modules available for their retailers and for customers. Although production of E-learning modules can be expensive, the modules can help you sell and service your product more effectively. The more that people know about the product they are selling (especially outside vendors), the more apt they are to promote the product.