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

• 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
• ISSN: 0952-3987; 1469-5790
• DOI: 10.1080/09523987.2011.549679

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.