Our training sessions are characterised by:

• Championing the system. Our training team act as advocates for Agresso. We inform users of the benefits and, where possible, attempt to answer questions on the system and implementation. We do this by positioning ourselves as part of the implementation team, not outside trainers. Our team are fully updated on all aspects of the project and are briefed on the client’s business. If we are unable to answer questions immediately we take ownership and ensure they are resolved by others.
• Setting the context. We always run an introductory module for Self Service and Smart Client that endorses the benefits of Agresso and introduces the basic functionality of the system. This introduction is usually accompanied by an introductory module on a specific topic.
• Face to face. Our research indicates that end user confidence and ability to use the system is significantly higher following face to face training than by any other means.
• Totally hands on. We strive to ensure that each participant has their own training PC/laptop and training account.
• Minimal theory. Participants are immersed in using the system within minutes of starting the session.
• Small groups. A maximum of 12 participants per session, 8 being the optimum number. This allows for a degree of one-to-one interaction between the trainer and participants.
• Modular sessions of no more than 2 hours in length. Our research indicates the ability of participants to retain knowledge diminishes considerably with longer sessions. Where participants require training in several modules our preferred option is to timetable these as two or more short sessions. The benefits are:
  • Significantly less disruption to the working day if only absent from normal duties for two hours.
  • Repeated attendance reinforces learning from earlier sessions.

Where the situation dictates the need for participants to be trained in one longer session material is adapted to ensure retention of knowledge through revision exercises.

• Workbook focussed. All training sessions are based around a step-by-step workbook that leads participants through exercises. Workbooks are constructed to progress from simple examples to more advanced exercises.
• Repeated examples. Participants quickly move from instructor led examples to self led exercises to build confidence in using the system.
• Customised exercises. All exercises are drawn from the client’s own experiences.
• Quality control. All our workbooks are created by Agresso specialists before being rigorously peer tested within our training team. Finally our material is polished by our in-house editorial team to ensure consistent, high quality training materials.
• Lesson plans. Our detailed lesson plans ensure consistent key messages are covered irrespective of which of our experienced training team is facilitating the session.
• Face validity of the training system. The construction of the training system is designed to reflect the final live system as closely as possible. This ensures that what participants see in training reflects what they see in practice.
• ‘Just in time’ training. Wherever possible training is scheduled as near to Go Live as possible, so there is no degradation of knowledge. This is achieved by:
  • Running parallel sessions for different groups.
  • Running repeated sessions throughout the day on the same topic.
• Instant feedback. Following each training module participants complete an on-line questionnaire. Within minutes feedback is available to:
  • Fine tune the training programme.
  • Inform the project team of key issues.
  • Provide the project team with perceptions of the system by participants.
  • Allow follow up with participants on specific queries.
• Support material. We produce high quality, reference material in the form of written and on-line user guides and quick reference guides. In addition to this we also offer on-line movies on key learning topics.