Consulting Intro :: Productivity :: E-Learning Program
MAGNET's new E-Learning program designed to fit smaller manufacturers' needs
Companies can reap the benefits of Continuous Improvement training, without bringing production lines to a halt
By Mary Ann Pacelli, MAGNET Senior Consultant
To meet the needs of these clients, MAGNET took advantage of a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to design a modular, online Lean Tools and Techniques training program that offers smaller manufacturers self-paced modules that will not impact production. During its development, more than 350 employees from 30 Northeast Ohio companies piloted MAGNET's E-Learning program before its official launch in the first quarter of 2010. Advantages of E-Learning One of the major benefits of E-Learning, compared to traditional classroom-style employee training, is that all the workers to be trained do not have to be made available at the same time. E-Learning modules can be rapidly deployed, easily expanded or updated and allow for consistent instruction and feedback.
MAGNET’s E-Learning program provides "just-in-time" training. The courses are completely self-directed, with audio narration to support trainees who may have limited reading skills. Each unit includes a specific "learning activity" that demonstrates immediate implementation. Training time for each module is under 20 minutes. The related learning activity takes an additional 20 minutes. At the end of each module's activity, MAGNET recommends participants meet with the project leader to review it and pick one or two ideas to implement quickly themselves—usually within one week. With quick implementation, workers can see immediate change in their workplace; change created using their own ideas. Program materials include specific instructions for the trainer/leader and participants. Tests or knowledge checks help employers assess the transfer of the skills during and after the training. Subjects covered MAGNET's E-Learning program consists of a series of process improvement modules specifically for front-line workers:
The program also includes online training tools for management personnel, including:
Each one of these four topics is thoroughly covered through the many modules that provide in-depth information and analysis.
Summing up Many of the 30 companies who helped MAGNET pilot the program continue to use it. One company set up its own internal training lab where both existing and new employees can access the program's self-paced modules. Taken together, these 30 companies reported more than $3 million in economic impact as a result of the training and implementation of new ideas. MAGNET's E-Learning program clearly demonstrated that even very small companies can benefit from online training to enrich their workforce with an understanding of the fundamentals of Lean Manufacturing principles. The MAGNET E-Learning program officially launched in early 2010 and is now available to all companies at an affordable rate. Thanks to a limited-time grant, companies in the auto supply chain with less than 50 employees can gain access to the basic Process Improvement modules at no cost for an introductory period. For more information, contact Linda Barita at (216) 391-7766. Also in this issue of MAGNET Roundup:
—Updated 4/2/2010 for the April 2010 issue of MAGNET Roundup |
We at MAGNET frequently hear from small- and medium-sized manufacturers how difficult it is
for them to make time for traditional workforce training projects. These same manufacturers also tell us they know they need to adopt Continuous Improvement techniques such as Lean to remain competitive.
"We've had a really great experience with the people at MAGNET. 
6,200—The number of manufacturers in the 18-county Northeast Ohio region with fewer than 25 employees