What matters to small business?

23/07/2008

A new resource provides valuable insight into what really matters to small business when it comes to e-learning.

The national training system's e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework), has released the what matters: e-learning for small business research findings.

The what matters series, developed by the Framework's Benchmarking and Research business activity, is used to publicise key findings from research undertaken by the Framework.

What matters: e-learning for small business is a summary of the findings from the Framework's An investigation of the enablers and barriers to industry uptake of e-learning: Small business research report, released earlier this year. The research findings also include a set of good practice guidelines and future directions for e-learning in small business.

The research report examined the current state of e-learning in small business, and the obstacles and opportunities for the increased uptake of e-learning solutions. It featured surveys with 300 small businesses, and in-depth interviews with a further 10 small business owners or managers about their training practices and perceptions of e-learning.

Key findings included:

• On-the-job informal training is predominant in the small business sector.
• Training is important to small business and most agree that they don't spend as much time on training as they like.
• E-learning can be an effective solution for individual small businesses with similar needs, who are geographically dispersed, and want training delivered when and where required.
• Many small businesses who are not using e-learning are unaware of suitable e-learning tools or had not considered it as a viable training option.

Framework Benchmarking and Research Business Manager, Annie Fergusson, said the latest research provided an excellent foundation for moving forward with e-learning in small business.

"The research highlights opportunities for the Framework to work alongside industry bodies and training providers to increase the understanding of e-learning, its benefits and practical application to the small business sector," Ms Fergusson said.

"If we understand the attitudes that stand in the way of small business engagement in e-learning, we can look at ways to address and overcome them."

For a copy of the pamphlet, contact Annie Fergusson on (08) 8204 0809 or email:

mailto:fergusson.annie@saugov.sa.gov.au