There are many types of corporate training.  People often ask what type of
training is best. While on the surface, it may seem that there is a reasonable
response, the program is more problematic.  Each type of training has inherent
strengths and weaknesses.  Sometimes the question of which type of training is
best is correctly answered by the identification with an assessment of the
needs-based purpose for the training.

With each of the following training systems, I have provided a brief
explanation and a summary of the pros and cons for each.

Manual (self-training): The presentation of material, hopefully
organized, is generally given to a staff member to basically self train.  A
summary of this training system are:

    Strengths:

• Cheap & Easy

    Weaknesses:

• Inability to measure learning.
• Requires self-imposed focus
• Little interaction

On-the-Job Training (OJT): Generally used by many corporations for
training.  It is a mix of manual training, combined with direct oversight
by a mix of management and experienced staff. 

    Strengths:

• Cheap & Easy
• Direct oversight
• Built in mentoring

    Weaknesses:

• Not uniform training
• Lowers productivity of the trainer during the ramp-up cycle
• Subjective metrics

Computer Based Training (CBT):  This has been previously thought
of as a ‘holy-grail’ of a system.  The preparation and presentation of
material, delivered to the student/staff for presentation and preparation of
material and concepts.  The student takes the delivered CD-ROM disks and
can participate in the training in geographically dispersed staff.

    Strengths:

• Access to uniform training
• Access to world-class trainers
• Flexible delivery and presentation
• Measured delivery in easy to absorb slices of material

    Weaknesses:

• Limited learning metrics
• Inability to measure participation
• Limited interaction
• Quickly outdated material
• Expensive production

Web Based Training (eLearning): This is a system of training that
greatly expands the process of presentation of training.  It is delivered
via a Learning Management System, that contains numerous courses.  The
student is capable of interacting with the system via any web browser.

    Strengths:

• Access to uniform training
• Access to world class trainers
• Felixable delivery & presentation
• Measured delivery in easy to absorb material segments
• Measurable metrics on both pre and post delivery
• Instantly updated material, eliminating outdated or discarded
   concepts/information
• Ability to create certification programs which can elevate the education
   cycle

    Weaknesses:

• Limited interaction with staff
• Limited interaction among staff

On-site Seminars by Consultant:  This system generally is done
for specialty job categories. The rapid development of this type of program
insures a swift implementation of this type of training.  It is delivered
by outside trainers in internal corporate facilities.

    Strengths:

• Rapid Curriculum development
• High interaction with students/staff
• Highly specialized training with specific doctrine skillfulness
• Non-biased delivery of material
• Student participation is higher and staff experiences shared
• Allows for face-time and un-interrupted communication amount staff

    Weaknesses:

• Cost of the Consultants
• Cost of Equipment
• Cost of traveling
• Difficult to coordinate staff attendance
• Disruption of schedules
• Limited metrics
• Day long classes, causing limited attention and absorption of material

On-site Seminars by Internal Staff: This method of training has been
greatly employed by companies both large and small. It is generally conducted by
internal staff in a corporate facility.

    Strengths:

• Rapid Curriculum development
• High interaction with students/staff
• Highly specialized training
• Student participation is higher and experienced shared
• Allows for face-time and un-interrupted communication amount staff
• Student participation is higher and staff experiences shared
• Allows for face-time and un-interrupted communication amount staff

    Weaknesses:

• Cost of traveling
• Cost of equipment
• Difficult to coordinate staff attendance
• Disruption of schedules
• Biased delivery of curriculum
• Limited metrics
• Day long classes, causing limited attention and absorption of material

Off-site Courses at Training Centers: Generally thought of as a system
of training that is centrally located for all attendees.  Training Centers
are correctly prepared with both equipment and trainers for most

    Strengths:

• High interaction with students/staff
• Highly specialized training
• Student participation is higher and experienced shared
• Allows for face-time and un-interrupted communication amount staff
• Allows for face-time and un-interrupted communication amount staff

    Weaknesses:

• Cost of traveling
• Disruption of schedules
• Day long classes, causing limited attention and absorption of material

Webinars:  These are seminars conducted via a web browser. These
courses are a combination of audio, video and other multi-media presentation. 
Allows for feedback and guest participation. They allow for highly targeted
delivery and participation by attendees.

    Strengths:

• High interaction with students/staff
• Highly specialized training
• Student participation is higher and measurable
• Allows for both internal and consultant presentation
• Recordable and re-deliverable to extended staff
• Limited disruption of schedules

    Weaknesses:

• Loss of face-to-face interaction by staff
• Limited metrics gauging participation and knowledge of students/staff

Seminars: These are high profile celebrity seminars. They are
presented by professional speakers or executives.  They are primarily
off-site at convention centers or large training centers.

    Strengths:

• Celebrity presenters
• Easy to appraise
• Student participation is higher and staff experiences shared
• Allows for out-of-the-box presentation of ideas.

    Weaknesses:

• Cost of traveling
• Disruption of schedules
• Day long classes, causing limited attention and absorption of material
• Un-measurable assessments of presentation

While all of these educational systems have attributes that appeal to
different objectives, it is my opinion that a mix of many of these systems is
generally most effective. Irrespective of what a company seeks to train its
staff on, the essential ability to unceasing feedback will direct which mix of
programs they employ.  For me, a balanced mix of CBT and eLearning, along
with webinars and class-room training, provide the highest return on staff
training.