Management Training & Distance Learning

Many forms of management training can now be conducted online.

Advanced communications technology means that management training can now be conducted via distance learning, which means that training takes place principally online, over the telephone or by email rather than in a classroom.

Management Training Topics

Management training programs available for distance learning students range from short courses on technical processes, such as project management or financial management, to leadership programs and MBA degrees. The programs can be offered by commercial training companies or business schools, or developed by businesses for in-house management education.

Training Delivery

Delivery methods include online seminars (or webinars); online or CD-based worksheets and quizzes; recorded lectures; or dramatized simulations of workplace challenges, often including humor, which contain key learning points. During longer management distance learning programs, students may be assigned a tutor to provide support through telephone calls or email discussions. Degree programs may include summer schools or other classroom-based modules.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Among the key benefits of distance learning as a vehicle for management training is its flexibility: students can study in their own time and do not have to be away from the office for long periods. Distance learning tends to be cheaper than classroom-based courses and does not incur additional costs for travel and accommodation. However, management students may find the lack of networking opportunities a disadvantage.

References

• "Industrial and Commercial Training"; E-learning: Is It Really the Best Thing since Sliced Bread?; Marcus Pailing; 2002

Resources

• E-learning Centre
• Business.com: Professional Management Distance Learning
• The Open University