Yvette James‐Gordon and Jay Bal
An investigation was conducted in the design department of a medium‐sized automotive company to establish engineers’ preferred learning styles. This was achieved by using two…
Abstract
An investigation was conducted in the design department of a medium‐sized automotive company to establish engineers’ preferred learning styles. This was achieved by using two proven questionnaires followed by statistical analysis methods. The evidence showed that the engineers investigated have a significant visual learning style preference. This means that their learning is more effective by using diagrams, sketches, photographs, schematics, flow charts, pictures, videos, computer graphics, and demonstrations in training programmes and in their everyday working environment. The present computer‐aided design (CAD) training in the company does incorporate some of these visual techniques and so does satisfy the engineers’ visual learning style preference. Evidence also suggested that there is not a need to have different training and learning methods for design engineers and for managerial engineers such as project engineers and team leaders.
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Yvette James‐Gordon and Jay Bal
For learning opportunities to exist in an organisation, adequate learning methods need to be available in the organisation. This paper looks at the various learning methods for…
Abstract
For learning opportunities to exist in an organisation, adequate learning methods need to be available in the organisation. This paper looks at the various learning methods for engineers in the design environment adopted by two automotive organisations. With greater work demands placed on the engineer and less time to learn, a more self‐directed learning approach is emerging. Emphasis is on the engineering design environment because of the continuous need for design engineers to keep updated with current engineering information, knowledge and techniques. By having the right learning climate and methods available in the organisation, the individual can engage in self‐directed learning; the effects of which are beneficial to organisational learning and the design engineer’s self‐development.
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Yvette James‐Gordon and Jay Bal
Technology‐based learning (TBL) provides a flexible learning approach to support the knowledge and skills base within an organisation. TBL also creates an interesting learning…
Abstract
Technology‐based learning (TBL) provides a flexible learning approach to support the knowledge and skills base within an organisation. TBL also creates an interesting learning environment to motivate continuous learning. Emphasis is on the engineering design environment due to the continuous need for engineers to keep updated with current engineering information, knowledge and technologies. With the greater work demands placed on the engineer and less time to learn in, a more self‐directed learning approach is required. TBL tackles the increasing need for immediate learning and self‐directed learning. By establishing an effective learning environment, the engineers can use their own initiative and take responsibility for their own training and learning requirements. This is beneficial to organisational learning as well as the individual’s self‐development. The effects of TBL on the design engineer and the organisation are investigated.
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Yvette James‐Gordon, Andy Young and Jay Bal
Before an organisation can develop its marketing strategy, it needs to carry out a thorough marketing analysis in order to understand the customers and trends, and evaluate…
Abstract
Before an organisation can develop its marketing strategy, it needs to carry out a thorough marketing analysis in order to understand the customers and trends, and evaluate external environmental forces. This paper seeks to identify and discuss the external environmental forces affecting: e‐learning providers, including market demand; political and legal forces; social and ethical influences; technology; and competition. The e‐learning provider has little, or no, control over the external environmental forces affecting the market in which it operates, and so it is necessary continually to forecast, monitor and assess this environment and to adapt its e‐learning product or services accordingly.