Issue: 10 Special Edition - October 2008 Special Edition: Managing During an Economic Crisis Given that we are in the midst of an economic downturn, and that HR and Learning budgets are invariably the first to be cut, it's more important than ever to use your available funds as wisely as possible, with maximum impact. During these turbulent times, strong leadership is required to ensure that you are getting the best out of the workforce, and that employees are engaged so they can operate at their optimum level. This special edition of our newsletter provides some whitepapers and research data on ways that we can innovate, plan strategically, develop staff and collaborate to deliver real value during an economic slump. Driving Cost out of the Learning Organisation: Assessing the Enterprise Learning Function An Intrepid Whitepaper The state of the global economy means almost all companies are now implementing significant cost reduction initiatives, and L&D departments will be forced to respond to these increasing cost pressures. The authors of this whitepaper show you how to design and implement a comprehensive L&D assessment, leading to a more efficient and effective learning function. To make strategic decisions to decrease costs, the following core elements of learning must be assessed: Strategic Alignment Organisation and Talent Development Design and Development Processes Delivery and Logistics Learning Technology Measurement and Business Impact Click here to download this paper. The Economics of Training Outsourcing Bersin & Associates A few years ago, Bersin & Associates announced results of the first comprehensive study of training outsourcing - Training Outsourcing: The Economics of Outsourcing Training Technology and Operations. This survey showed that outsourcing can reduce per learner costs by 31%. Since this report was published, there have been significant improvements in delivery models and technology and many organisations throughout Asia Pacific have started to realise the promised benefits in their own organisations. With the current challenges of the economic downturn, training outsourcing may prove the way to optimise your training budget, Click here to download a copy of the Bersin & Associates research paper - Training Outsourcing: The Economics of Outsourcing Training Technology and Operations. Click here to download The Learning Factor's 2007 whitepapers: Out Think. Out Do. The Dramatic Growth of Managed Learning Services   Are You Cutting It?  KnowledgePool Whitepaper One of the immediate effects of the current financial market situation is an overall reduction in business spending.  This whitepaper explores how savings can be achieved through careful resource management, and enlisting the services of a vendor-neutral, specialist learning provider. Focusing on the four key areas of: Supplier management Use of technology for training administration Long term scheduling Training intervention design organisations can realise significant cost savings of up to 30%. Click here to download this whitepaper. Taming the Wolf at the Door: L&D in an Economic Downturn Common Purpose Research A UK survey of 120 directors and managers in L&D and HR departments, provides ideas on how your own department can survive, and even thrive, through a global financial crisis. L&D budgets are often one of the first casualties of an economic downturn. The survey reveals that short-term cost savings through staff development cuts provide a short-term solution, with severely negative long-term consequences. This survey demonstrates that L&D is essential to grow, develop and retain key talent who will ensure that a company thrives through uncertain economic times. Click here to download a copy of this survey. To ensure receipt of our emails, please add us to your email address book.   Sincerely, Chris Gaborit Director P: +61 2 8211 0440 The Learning Factor Click here to visit our website In This Issue Driving Cost Out of Learning Economics of Training Outsourcing Are you Cutting it? Taming the Wolf at the Door