Case 1: Seiko Epson

Seiko Epson is an enterprise dealing with development, production, and sales service of information-related equipment (computers, printers, etc.), electronic devices, precision products (watches, eyeglass lenses, etc), and many more. In this company, e-Learning is implemented as a corporate in-house training.

Objectives of Implementing e-Learning

Seiko Epson approaches employee training in three different ways.

• Classroom training, a traditional and practical way of in-house training
• External training for the acquisition of advanced knowledge
• WBT training

The two objectives of WBT implementation named by the company are as follows:

1. Meet the changing needs of corporate in-house training.
   
2. Create a corporate culture of self-initiated learning, not corporate-initiated learning.
   

Promotion System

Seiko Epson implemented the WBT system with cooperation between the global information technology development department and the training center, and also between individual departments.

A rough schedule for WBT implementation is shown below.

WBT Operation

At first, WBT training was limited to courses of an introductory level. But now, it has established itself as an in-house training tool, with extensive courses available from PC networks and system management, to technical courses such as quality technology.

Start screen of the WBT content	Learning screen of the new product technology training course

While "Learn anytime and anywhere" is the advantage of WBT training, the in-house WBT working rules should be made clear. Seiko Epson sets the following working rules.

• Training hours: During office hours (for the time being)
• Support hours: 8:30-18:00 (weekdays)
• Location: Limited to company office
• Confirm training hours with your superior in advance
• Wear headphone to avoid disturbing your office colleagues

Summary

As a summary, Seiko Epson names three points regarding WBT implementation.

• Cooperate with WBT-related departments and divisions
• Publicize WBT throughout the company
• Clarify and enforce the WBT working rules

WBT has steadily penetrated the entire group, though during the initial phase, company states that there was some concern as to whether it would actually be used in-house. They are planning the following: 1) establish WBT as an in-house training tool, 2) grade the training material, and 3) deal with mobile users who cannot always access the network.