Title: Strategic use of e-learning for human resource training

Authors: Guendalina Capece, Simone Gitto, Domenico Campisi

Addresses: Department of Business Engineering, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via del Politecnico 1, Rome 00133, Italy. ' Department of Business Engineering, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via del Politecnico 1, Rome 00133, Italy. ' Department of Business Engineering, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via del Politecnico 1, Rome 00133, Italy

Abstract: Nowadays, in both blended and separate channels, the emerging information technology enables curricula to be tailored to the needs of those participating in postgraduate programmes by offering more |individual-centred education|. This article discusses one particular entrepreneurial attempt to evaluate the effectiveness and performance of postgraduate human resource management programmes online. In keeping with the idea that intelligences are based upon a range of factors and criteria, the circumstances affecting user acceptance of e-learning techniques in human resource programmes are analysed by means of a technology acceptance model. On the basis of this aim, a survey is developed and administered, and structured interviews are conducted in order to assess the specific areas in which e-learning instruments may be successfully applied. More specifically, a challenging programme based on balanced blends of traditional (t-) teaching, e-learning (e-) techniques, and complementary (c-) instruments is investigated by means of an ex-ante analysis conducted on a panel of 196 potential users, which is integrated with an ex-post analysis carried out on a panel of 30 users. Responses in terms of compliance, practical use and effort are also taken into consideration.

Keywords: competence development; e-learning; entrepreneurship; human resource training; HRD; human resource development; human resources; human resource management; HRM; electronic learning; online learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEBR.2009.024311

International Journal of Economics and Business Research, 2009 Vol.1 No.3, pp.369 - 380

Published online: 31 Mar 2009 *

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