Could anyone give me guidance on the best approach to making a business case for E-learning within my organization? I work for the Federal Government and out learning approached are in great need of revision...

Thanks

Have you already determined that e-learning is the best delivery mode for the training that you have in mind? Just because your courses need revision does not necessarily mean that the answer is e-learning. There are many other options if your goal is just to revise the training that you currently have. The business needs should drive the choice of e-learning, not the other way around.

In making a business case, you need to show either a gain in revenue or a decrease in costs. Showing cost savings is a little easier because you can add up the reduction in travel, facilities and instructor costs that comes with any self-study.

You have to offset that against any additional development or equipment costs.

We also look at the finacial benefits if it can reduce the time to proficiency. This sometimes comes from being able to offer just in time training.

One of the best ways to prove your business case is not only to show cost savings but to show how and why this method of learning will be beneficial. For example, if you have a sales team that is always in the field, holding full day classroom instructor-led sessions is not viable. However, if you can show that you can provide small bits of learning in manageable chunks that are easy for the sales team to access enroute to clients or before the day starts, you will make your case.

Hi, you could look at Mark Harrison's series of 4 reports on developing an e-learning strategy, the first of which is on business strategy. The reports are free at http://www.kineo.com/kineo-briefings/kineo-reports-briefings-page.html