Spaced Learning: An approach to increase knowledge retention at Maruti

Conducting successful and scalable training for all is a fairly large and cost-intensive challenge. Especially if you are Maruti Suzuki India Limited, one of the leading manufacturers of passenger vehicles in India. With 3904 service centers, 3617 sales outlets and 1934 cities covered by service network, MSIL has one of the largest workforces, spread across different regions, with multi-variate skill requirements and levels. To maintain the brand value across this vast network and their ‘unbeatable First Time Right Score’ at the service centers, regular training for the MSIL workforce, including external dealers, was an imperative. Singular events of training the service engineers, sales rep or customer service executives were simply not enough to ensure that the training given to these employees was effective enough to maintain the brand goodwill continuously.

With our 20+ years of experience in the learning industry, GCube was approached to analyze the challenges specific to the automobile industry. One of the key results they were looking for was an increase in knowledge retention based on role, responsibility and KPIs. To counter the major issue of loss of knowledge after a few days of training and lack of engagement with the training content, GCube developed a problem specific learning solution called the Spaced Learning Program.

The Spaced Learning Program was designed to reinforce learning and improve performance through greater training recall. The idea was to define the pre-training and post-training engagements for the batches who are to go through the training programs. The entire program was divided into multiple knowledge bites in various formats and scheduled even before the training has taken place. The training triggers a chain of events which engages the learners at every step, before and after the training while ensuring they remember their training.

What problems did the Spaced Learning Program solve?

Increased engagement

For Maruti, engagement was critical on 3 levels: cognitive, emotional, and behavioral. Poor information retention, passive learning, and a lack of commitment were factors leading to training and development challenges. Once the training program was scheduled for a group, the Spaced Learning Program was designed to identify the training content for defined group based on the pre and post training knowledge. This was then shared with the attendees throughout the course period. These exercises encouraged learners to participate in constructive problem-solving, which improved cognitive engagement.

Multi-media content for different learning habits

Maruti manufactures 1.5 million cars a year with over 150 variants, services almost 46000 cars everyday and has around 15,945 employees. Keeping up with the industry standards and latest technologies, is a must at MSIL. Once the trainer planned and delivered their training strategy successfully, it is implemented through the Spaced Learning Program which included different types of training content like customized e-courses, game-based learning, case studies, surveys, articles, videos, and assessments.

Training schedule, communication, and tracking

The above mentioned numbers are a challenge in itself and to keep a track of the progress made by the employees involved can be simply termed as ‘impossible’. But to ensure training progress MSIL had to plan content around the training program and send it out to attendees at regular intervals along with pre-determined notifications to ensure participation and knowledge retention. To capture the attention of the attendees and ensure better knowledge retention for longer duration, the Spaced Learning Program created an automated learning schedule even before a trainee joined. This gave the trainee view of what they will learn, when they will learn it and what the company expects from them without anyone having to keep a track but progression happening automatically.

Spaced Learning for Maruti in a Nutshell

Let us have a look at some of the benefits of a Spaced Learning Program:

• Administrators and trainers may use the Spaced Learning Software to incorporate refreshers or continuous learning programs to classroom training. This curriculum may include a SCORM course, an assessment, an HTML course, or links to other resources. These learning styles can be time sensitive, and learners are notified via email/SMS when new ones become available.
• The Spaced Learning Program module is configurable and can be switched on/off based on the requirement in an automobile company.
• Stand-alone classroom training or time-bound non-blended programs or courses can be added to the Spaced Learning program.
• Repetition and reinforcement of information is delivered through different formats to improve understanding and increase recall.
• Engagement and application strengthen key learning and improves retention.
  
  

The auto industry has people at the core of all business innovation and growth. Upgrading to a learning and information acquisition approach allows the people to remember their training and apply what they’ve learned. This in turn minimizes errors for the organization and helps people see growth in their careers. With GCube’s Spaced Learning Program, Maruti, helped their trainees to better recall a wide range of topics covered during the training session, which in turn played a strategic role in improving organizational performance.

At GCube, we have 20 years of experience and 100+ industry awards in learning technologies; and would love to hear your thoughts, queries, and suggestions. Please do write to us at info@gc-solutions.net.

Spoiler Alert: MRO Software Integration with LMS is now available!

There is an Airbus A320 in the hangar that is due for scheduled maintenance and repair. There were some technical issues reported from the cabin during its last flight. There is a brilliant MRO engineer available in the hangar, but another engineer must be brought in from another hangar, or worse, another location because the engineer present did not complete his update training on DGCA mandates for this aircraft. Precious time wasted!

Recently one of the largest names in Aviation reached out to GCube to discuss real time scenarios like the one mentioned above. They challenged us to resolve the issue of training MRO personnel who are least likely to be able to come in for classroom training, but who are most likely to need regular certification as per DGCA or ESA regulations. We spent significant manhours, researching, analyzing, and even hunting down data and we were successful in winning the challenge. Based on our research we successfully created and implemented the GCube Learning Management System (LMS) which had been seamlessly integrated with the company’s Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) software.

The World Class GCube LMS for Aviation, integrated with MRO Software is the Game Changer.

Learning Linked to Engineering Info on MRO Software

MRO software captures and contains data as well as information on the various aspects of maintenance, repair, and overhaul. Because structural repair manuals are proprietary information retained by the manufacturers it is up to subject matter experts to keep training manuals ready based on their knowledge and experience. When MRO software is linked to the online LMS, this information is easy to access when the need arises.

Managed Compliance Monitoring and MRO Software

MRO software captures information from the airport authorities, equipment suppliers, and other staff members to ensure smooth operations. When this information is integrated with the LMS, it provides specific learning paths including regulatory compliance training and certifications. For any changes in the online engineering modules due to knowledge updates or ESA/DGCA requirements, the LMS identifies the impacted roles and pushes out the mandatory training to these individuals for completion. The LMS also tracks and reports on completion status so at any point the LMS dashboard provides a view of compliance training completion.

Using MRO Software for Creating and Deploying Maintenance Training

MRO software captures technical failures, faults as well as any issues reported by staff from the cabin or in-flight. The LMS which is integrated with MRO software and the engineering module, can proactively share the maintenance procedure with the MRO personnel. It can also be integrated to inventory software for part availability as well as supplier information for unavailable parts. All in all, the MRO and LMS integration helps make the MRO operations more efficient.

Learning from Anywhere

MRO personnel are working from multiple, far flung locations and so classroom environments are difficult to set up. The GCube LMS created specifically for Aviation is an easy-to-use portal that caters to different work positions, learning styles, and interests, easily accessible through personalized mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Therefore, any new training, or update training is received by MRO personnel wherever they are, and they can complete their training, assessment, and certification from anywhere.

The GCube LMS integration with MRO software has helped in the overall learning and growth of personnel especially in roles like maintenance, quality control, engineering, and even pilots and cabin crew. It has also become a proactive partner for regulatory compliance requirements helping the company stay ahead at the time of audits.

At GCube, we have 20 years of experience and 80+ industry awards in learning technologies; and would love to hear your thoughts, queries, and suggestions on this integration. Please do write to us.

Achievement Unlocked: Reduced Time to Productivity

 

Cracking the productivity issue has been a pretty long-term challenge for a lot of our clients. Large product portfolio, high attrition in the industry, complex regulatory procedures – the trials are varied and manifold. The regular complaint has been that longer time to productivity usually always means lesser time at peak productivity resulting is hindered business growth.

Thus, the basic and foremost requirement of any organization is to achieve shorter TTP and here are 5 steps to do the same. All you need is the right LMS.

Step 1: Pre-joining Engagement

The idea is to identify the skills and abilities of each individual right at the time of joining so there is no wastage of time and effort. The information can be captured on the LMS which can then deploy trainings according to the levels at which the employee currently is. A pre-joining training kit which may contain information about the organization, leadership, payroll etc also helps the employees settle down faster with the company with a sense of belonging.

Step 2: Creating Personalized Learning Path

With information gathered and basic training deployed in the previous step, an effective LMS can then assign automated training to a new hire to bring them at par with others in their batch or even move someone to advanced batches if they are ahead of the others. Keeping in mind the different skill levels, talents and learning styles, a good learning management system can create a learning path for individuals based on multiple factors and help them to find what they are good at and truly enjoy doing. This in-turn helps them achieve peak performance faster.

Step 3: Create Immersive Learning Experience

In-depth understanding of the product can be easily delivered through interactive media via an LMS. Trainees can be offered life-like simulations for scenarios, understanding of product combinations and with inputs from sales teams for real questions asked by customers. What they get is an immersive experience and are more confident to achieve peak performance faster.

Small learning nuggets can be sent to the employees at regular intervals, automated through the LMS. This ensures continued and reinforced learning which reduces knowledge loss and creates better customer experience.

Step 4: Segregate Experience Employees from new ones

Segregation of training programs and content based on who the audience is effectively reduces time lost in futile training or retraining. An LMS is again key to this step to achieve desired results. For example, the same product needs to have two deliveries. For basic level folks who need more detailed explanations and an advanced level for whom it can be a quick upskill intervention. As your LMS already has the learning data of each individual, it can help you identify the right kind of training required for a particular individual who is at a particular level of understanding or experience. 

Step 5: Make Learning an Agile Process

A company that has a tradition of agility will always find it easier to handle bumps in the road. Like most things, training processes and systems also experience fatigue and become outdated very quickly. Companies need to invest in an LMS that are built to handle and respond to update needs in an intelligent way. A good LMS will allow deployment of changes, alerts to roles who need to learn or get certified, and also give leadership visibility to the status of certifications, especially those that fall under the compliance umbrella.

Knowledge is very liquid and relative, especially as the typical time in a role gets impacted by attrition, role change or promotions. Leaders need to be able to get more time per resource at peak productivity and the right LMS can be an ideal partner to help organizations achieve their Time to Productivity goals.

At GCube, we have 20 years of experience and 80+ industry awards in learning technologies. To know more about products and services, please do write to us. 

Significant Features of New-age Learning Management System in India

Corporate training is a vital component for improving workforce performance and organizational growth. Undoubtedly, the scope of the learning management system is continuously evolving with the changing needs of the millennial workforce. Organizations implement the topmost learning management systems in India to meet diverse training goals including compliance, onboarding, soft skills, and more. The robust LMSs serve as an ideal platform to drive collaboration, improve engagement, knowledge retention, and boost organizational growth.
Today, organizations are shifting towards technological innovations with the deployment of modern learning management systems in India. Moving away from a traditional classroom approach, robust LMSs manage employee induction, product training, compliance certification, extended workforce training, and more. In addition to reducing travel and infrastructural costs, modern e-learning platforms boost employee engagement, track individual performance, and improve overall uptake.

Custom Learning Solutions Delivered by Modern LMS

Enterprises across the globe implement the best learning management system in India and across to cater to the pertinent needs of all. Some of the key features of robust LMSs include the following:

• Personalized Learning Paths

The effective implementation of an online LMS to design custom learning paths is no easy feat. Modern e-learning platforms serve as a one-stop solution by providing learners the flexibility to undergo training anytime and anywhere. Also, the LMS assigns relevant online courses to individuals to bridge their skills-gaps, improve retention, and overall performance levels. For instance, analyzing the skills metrics of sales professionals, the LMS automatically aligns training content to meet diverse goals- soft skills, product training, sales onboarding, and others.

• Multi-device Support

With the help of a robust e-learning system, you can upload training content in multiple formats including short videos, infographics, animations, presentations, and more. This variety of content is accessible on multiple devices- laptops, desktops, and smartphones. The flexibility to access and convert training material into multiple formats helps to reduce time and save costs, thereby increasing the ROIs and driving growth.

• Tracking Learner Competency

It is crucial for organizations to understand the overall efficacy of learners while completing a certain task. So, modern LMSs are deployed in a way, where training courses and assessments are available to analyze an employee’s workplace competency. Based on the skills metrics and scores achieved in tests, HR and L&D teams understand individual’s skills-gaps and then automatically assign custom training to close those gaps, increase training ROI, boost workforce performance, and overall growth.

• Content Authoring

Companies utilize robust content authoring tools such as Lectora, Captivate, and others to create, deliver, as well as repurpose existing training content. You can easily develop an online course, add interactivities such as audio or video, and upload on the LMS. It merely takes 10-15 minutes of time that you can drag and drop custom content and deliver learning on the go.

• Game-based Learning

Games play a major role in corporate e-learning when it comes to engagement, motivation, and fun. Organizations utilize modern LMSs to adopt a game-based learning approach by incorporating elements such as badges, scores, and leaderboards with online courses. The success of peers encourages employees to learn more, compete with others, and win the game. Overall, earning scores, giving rewards, and getting a position on the leaderboard makes training completely fun and engaging.

• Instructor-led Training Management

Modern learning management systems also support the delivery of classroom-based instruction with ease. These help to send automatic notifications, reminders, monitor attendance, upload tests and assign learners as well as instructors to different courses.
The topmost learning management systems in India and worldwide support a gamut of features that include rapid authoring, game-based learning, mobile-aided delivery, classroom training management, performance tracking, and so on. Modern corporates implement the new-age LMSs to serve pertinent training goals- compliance, onboarding, sales training, customer training, and others. Training the new-age workforce is a real challenge and utilizing robust e-learning platforms proves as a worthwhile investment to cater to the changing needs of your business.

Why Choose Learning Management System in India?

Best Learning Management System in India

Aligning Learning to Your Personalized Business Needs and Performance Goals

Many organizations are relying on modern learning management system (LMS) to stay ahead of the curve. The robust eLearning systems make it easier to handle training and development challenges faced by organizations. The focus of an online learning management system in India is to optimize workforce engagement, knowledge competency, and align with diverse business objectives. Cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and lucrative outcomes result in increased ROIs and performance of an organization.

From the healthcare and automobile to retail, aviation, and other sectors, companies deploy robust learning management system in India which provide ample benefits including:

• Easy-to-use interface: Users with different roles such as administrator, trainer, manager, and even learner prefer learning management system with a new-age UI. An intuitive interface enables the learners to access learning management system dashboards to track training calendar, progress reports, and more. Administrators can easily personalize fonts, themes, and language as per the varied learning needs and preferences. Corporate managers can also assign training and keep track of workforce performance by providing periodic quizzes and assessments during the training program.

• Seamless mobile support: A robust eLearning management system also supports mobile content delivery to allow learning anytime, anywhere, and on any mobile device. Even if the screen size of a mobile device is small, learners can easily access short chunks of information on their tablets or smartphones.

• Social collaboration: It is essential for corporates to enable social learning so that employees can actively participate and collaborate with their peers. Therefore, online learning management system is deployed to support social learning feature where employees can undergo training through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other websites. Also, the robust training platforms drive engagement by enabling learners to participate in wikis and chats, as well as post queries on RSS feeds and discussion forums.

• Gamified E-learning: Games transform your learning experience into a wholly fun-filled and engaging program. Different gaming elements such as badges, scores, coins, and leaderboards encourage the learners to access more courses, retain for long, and perform better in real-life scenarios.

• KPI-driven learning: It is one of the crucial features of a robust learning management system in India. Organizations implement modern LMS which can be integrated with Sales Management Systems, Human Resource Management System (HRMS), and others to fetch and create Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Based on the KPI data, the LMS creates performance metrics and automatically assigns relevant training programs which aligns with the personalized needs of the targeted workforce.

With technological advancement, learning is no more confined to the four walls of a classroom. Learners can undergo training at the point of need, while at home, before an office meeting, or even on the go. There is a shift in the role of modern learning management system in India from a robust training platform to an integrated system offering comprehensive experiences for all.