Strategic use of e-learning for human resource training

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.