Learning Executive Think Tank Reveals "Top 5 Ways to Ready Your Training Organization for a Troubled Economy"

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA--(Marketwire - February 19, 2009) - Expertus (www.expertus.com) today announced it has released a white paper summarizing the discussion among a handful of learning leaders during a recent virtual roundtable meeting. The Learning Executive Think Tank recently met to discuss what's currently happening in their training departments and share how they're weathering the economic storm. The white paper, "Top 5 Ways to Ready Your Training Organization for a Troubled Economy" is available at http://www.trainingefficiency.com/system/files/Learning-Exec-Think-Tank_Preparing-For-Harsh-Economy-Roundtable-Report_Expertus.pdf.

With the recession now a reality, the training industry is one of the hardest hit. According to Expertus and Training Industry, Inc. research released in December 2008, over twice as many respondents expect budget decreases rather than increases in 2009. Forty-eight percent expect their budgets to decrease this year, up from 41% in 2008.

Recent research from Bersin & Associates states that in the second half of 2008 corporate training departments cut spending on learning and development by 12% to 18%. However, according to other industry research, investment in learning development appears to be a mixed bag.

Expertus, a global provider of services that optimize the business impact of learning, took the opportunity to sponsor a Learning Executive Think Tank to discuss strategies to surviving such difficult times. The report states, "Learning executives are finding the need to come up with some new and innovative ways to keep their training programs alive and well -- and at the same time prove their business value."

Much of the discussion underscored the need for training departments to take a closer look at operational efficiency. However, instead of simply cutting budgets, the Think Tank participants suggest using creative and strategic approaches to making their departments lean and mean, including:

-- Informal Learning. Organizations should be focused on building low-cost programs around informal learning and/or encourage or expand the tactics that are already working.

-- Re-Alignment. Now is an appropriate time for organizations to take a second look at whether their training programs are properly aligned with the goals of the company. If they're not, then cut them out.

-- Increased e-Learning. A shift towards e-learning is happening as training executives are continuing to move away from higher-cost instructor-led training programs. This is not a new concept, but is apparently accelerating rapidly in this economy.

And more.

Read the full report at http://www.trainingefficiency.com/system/files/Learning-Exec-Think-Tank_Preparing-For-Harsh-Economy-Roundtable-Report_Expertus.pdf.

Six additional roundtable discussions are planned for 2009. To find the latest results from each roundtable discussion, visit http://www.TrainingEfficiency.com. To inquire about participating in a roundtable discussion, please contact Gordon Johnson at gordonj@expertus.com. For information on Expertus, please visit www.expertus.com or call Mike Murrell at 803-802-9971.

About Expertus

Expertus is the leading global provider of services that optimize the business impact of learning. For more than a decade, the firm's 500+ learning management professionals have defined and implemented plans, processes and technologies that transform training organizations -- creating measurable value for the world's most successful corporations. Clients include ADP, Cisco, ConocoPhillips, EMC, Honeywell and Lockheed Martin. Every day at these and other companies, more than a million employees, customers and business partners are educated as a result of Expertus' innovative business strategies, outsourcing services and technology-rich solutions.

Based in Silicon Valley, Expertus serves its clients from offices in the US, UK and India. For more information, visit www.expertus.com, or call toll-free 1-877-827-8160.

Contact Information: Press Contact: Alicia Hassinger CSG-PR 720.933.8119