An evaluation-led virtual action learning programme - was the theory put into practice?

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in creating a dynamic and successful European economy. Time-poor managers in these organisations generally have fewer opportunities for training and development than their counterparts in larger organisations. As a result, different r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Educational media international 2011-03, Vol.48 (1), p.55-65
Main Authors: Giambona, G., Birchall, D.W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Active Learning
Blended Learning
Computer Assisted Instruction
Denmark
Electronic Learning
European Union
Evaluation Methods
evaluation-led
Evidence
Experiential Learning
Foreign Countries
France
Greece
Learning
Management Development
Netherlands
Program Descriptions
Program Evaluation
programme theory
realist synthesis
Research Methodology
Research Needs
Small & medium sized enterprises-SME
Small Businesses
Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Spain
Surveys
Theory Practice Relationship
Training
Training Methods
United Kingdom
virtual action learning
Virtual Classrooms
Virtual networks
Workshops
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Summary:Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in creating a dynamic and successful European economy. Time-poor managers in these organisations generally have fewer opportunities for training and development than their counterparts in larger organisations. As a result, different requirements are placed on training. The aim of this study was to test the principles of action learning in a virtual environment. The action-learning programme was based on virtual working but did also involve face-to-face workshops, thus providing a blended approach. The project was designed to be "evaluation-led", with evaluation progressing alongside the project from design to finalisation. The focus of this paper is on how the evaluation-led approach unfolded. To this end, we start by explaining our research approach, we then move on to an analysis of the project to conclude with a discussion of the findings and of the lessons learnt. We conclude by highlighting some further research needs.
ISSN:0952-3987
1469-5790
DOI:10.1080/09523987.2011.549679