A Blended Learning Solution for Peugeot

The Peugeot Business Institute has appointed a collaboration between ebc and Huthwaite International to create a blended solution of classroom and technology delivered training.

The new programme will replace the existing 'Introduction to Car Selling' programme. It will contain newly developed content and structure designed to reduce the cost of delivery and administration of the course, shifting the emphasis from manufacturer delivered training to dealers taking responsibility for their staff development. It will also generate evidence suitable for NVQ accreditation and promote a change in approach towards a consultative approach to selling.

Whilst ebc is the prime contractor in the production of this programme, Huthwaite International will be providing research, methodologies and learning design skills to create content for the sales skills elements of this programme. The programme will include a paper-based pre-entry phase, highly participative residential classroom modules as well as e-learning activities. All elements will be tracked for learner progress and completion.

A proportion of the content will be delivered using e-learning as a large amount of the learning is knowledge based and can be effectively delivered and assessed online. Integrated assessment will enable the learner, on successful completion, to proceed to the next level or subsequent modules. Also, changes to policy, processes and product can easily be communicated to a geographically disperse audience to a measured quality and consistency.

The e-learning elements are designed in a modular fashion which can be undertaken in multiple sessions, flexible enough for individuals to learn at their own pace within their preferred environment, providing high quality, interactive learning to a varied range of learners from a variety of different backgrounds and cultures. These elements also provide assessment and knowledge checks to measure knowledge gaps, are user friendly and based on minimal existing computer skills and IT knowledge and reflect the Peugeot corporate style and brand.

Learners can also return to areas of the e-learning experience they require more knowledge and skills in.

David Davies, Peugeot Sales Training Manager said: "We currently offer a three week induction course for our dealers which is highly regarded by them. However, we are faced with new challenges. Customers today are better informed, have access to more information and expect higher levels of service. To remain successful we have to respond and a key objective is to ensure that new people into our industry are helped to deliver exceptional customer experiences. Our solution is a blended approach of 'traditional' training and self learn modules, which are delivered over the Internet. This provides constant access to information and provides the mechanism to test the knowledge acquired. When learners attend our residential training we can consolidate the pre-course learning and concentrate on skills practice.

"The solutions offered by ebc matched our needs, as they not only demonstrated a high level of expertise and professionalism, but also a recognition and an understanding of the issues involved when delivering Internet learning. The commission of Huthwaite to conduct consumer research into buying habits gives us the confidence that the final learning solution will be relevant and enhance our training portfolio".

April 26th, 2002