The MoD reduces output costs with e-learning

The Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO), part of the Ministry of Defence, identified a need for implementing new internal accounting principles and processes. If successfully implemented and utilised the new systems and procedures could help the DLO achieve its target of a 20% output-cost reduction.

This success depended on DLO accounting staff across the UK ‘buying in’ to the new system and mastering it quickly. An e-learning solution would be flexible, have a high impact and cost a fraction of classroom-based training.

Appealing to over 5,000 people

The DLO had limited e-learning experience and approached PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Brightwave to develop a three hour web-based training programme. Brightwave’s development tool BILD* was identified as an ideal solution to keep PwC and DLO subject matter experts at the heart of the process.

The e-learning design had to comply with the Ministry of Defence’s tightly defined technical environment, and it had to appeal to over 5,000 DLO staff.

Using templates to allow subject matter experts to build the optimal solution

Brightwave created ten custom templates including presentation and interactive screens. These offered drag and drop and rollover functionality, gap fills, radio buttons, pop-ups and tick boxes. Each template offered a way of transforming raw content into learning objects, allowing the subject matter experts to decide which was most suited to each piece of content.

Despite the technical constraints of the project prohibiting audio, video, Flash and other plug-ins, Brightwave worked creatively to make the programme more appealing and enliven what can be a very dry subject – accountancy - using a cartoon-based narrative. BILD* also allowed for animations without the use of Flash adding vital presentational and interactive elements to the course.

With a range of characters and interactive templates at their disposal, and Brightwave’s experts on hand, the subject matter experts were able to build instructionally sound modules by populating the templates with their content.

The finished programme is accessible on-line, offering constant access to the training to 90% of DLO staff.

(*formerly WavePool)