Download - Our 2008 Portfolio
Learning design A quick overview of our work
PARTICIPACTION CONSULTING INC.306 Aspen PlaceAlexandria, VA [email protected]
Training design<
Look for this symbol in each section to return home.
Training Workshops
E-learning/Web Tutorials
Training Materials Development
Training of Trainers
Web Conferencing
The Best Trainers in the World…
Facilitating IT Project Communication
Facilitating Large Scale Change
IT Systems Implementation Training
Executive Retreats
Communications Materials
Training design<
TRAINING WORKSHOPS
We can help you with the design and delivery of training Workshops. What do people do when they don’t remember how to accomplish something using Word? Do they read the manual or ask one of their colleagues nearby? Do they call the trainer that taught in class? With ParticipAction’s training workshops, the learning environment of the class replicates the situation where the skill is really used.
Through the use of collaborative learning, we teach knowing that skills need to be analyzed, taught and evaluated as close as possible to the real environment where the skills “live”.
We offer training programs in the following areas: facilitation skills, customer service, negotiation skills, management and supervisory skills; team productivity; communication. All workshop are customized based on client’s specific needs.
Step 1Define Client Business Need
Step 2Assess Learning Needs/Resources Step 3
Draft Workshop Proposal Step 4
Incorporate Client’s Feedback
Step 5Design Pilot Materials
Step 6Deliver/Evaluate Workshop
Case study1 Case study2
Training design<
MANAGEMENT TRAINING WORKSHOPS FOR SERCOWe have delivered several management training
sessions for the Consulting Services Division of
SERCO North America on subjects ranging from
facilitation training to leadership styles. All
workshops were based on solid ISD (Instructional
System Design) to ensure planned results.
Training design<
FACILITATION TRAINING WORKSHOP WITH JEAN PALMERParticipAction andJean Palmer Training for
Success and Excellence co-hosted a very
successful 3-day class on the main principles and
practices of Group Facilitation Meeting. Feedback
confirmed that participants loved the combined
use of Group-tasks (collaborative learning),
Hands-on practice (facilitation of practice
meetings), and Learning conversations, review
and reflections.
Training design<
E-LEARNING/WEB TUTORIALS
The use of the internet for communication and instructional purposes offers the great advantages of reach and ease of set up.
Whether the work needs to be communicated in the form of a presentation, as a project web-site with forums and pictures, as a survey, or simply as a an online guide, the internet is a powerful tool for distributing instruction, information and resources remotely.
In developing e-learning applications we like to ground the initiative to a clear project goal and to engage the client’s best thinking with ongoing feedback throughout the design process. Solid testing and communication activities to announce the online course are also critical.
Step 1Identify Business Needs
Step 2Analyze Budget/Delivery
Options Step 3
Design Solution Step 4
Distribute/Deploy Step 5
Support Use of New Application
Case study1 Case study2
Training design<
COMPUTER-BASED TRAINING FOR VARIOUS CLIENTSLeveraging the power of Computer-based Training
means creating powerful synergies with classroom
training sessions by delivering content anywhere there is
an internet connection. Our ability to use several e-
learning software systems tools paired with instructional
design knowledge allow us to quickly and easily create
engaging courses, demos, presentations, and
assessments.
Training design<
ELECTRONIC FLASHCARDS, ON-LINE HELP FILES, WEB TUTORIALS for SIGMA-XISigma Xi was founded in 1886 and has nearly
65,000 members in over 100 countries around the
world. When a new association software was
implemented, more than 40 users relied on our on-
line help and web tutorials to get up to speed on the
new system. The new system today manages
virtually every aspect of Sigma-Xi work.
Training design<
TRAINING MATERIALS DEVELOPMENT
Our learning design is collaborative, creative and minimalistic.It focuses on the application out of the class of what is learned in class. The approach is people-friendly and, as such,each step of the design deals with the most common fears, anxieties people face when learning something new. Our collaborative learning design is:
- Action-oriented and hands-on to prevent thoughts like, "I forgot what she said!"
- Customized to the audience context and tasks to prevent thoughts like, "Maybe this class is not for my level!”
- Relevant for the user to prevent thoughts like, "Will I ever use this?”
Our curricula are implemented collaboratively to prevent thoughts like, "I don’t know whom to ask if I don’t know!” and conceived creatively to prevent thoughts like “When can I get out of here?”
Step 1Define Purpose and Content
Step 2Analyze Participant/Stakeholder’s
Needs Step 3
Design Instructional Activities Step 4
Develop Materials Step 5
Coordinate Training Event Step 6
Deliver Training Step 7
Evaluate Learning
Case study
Training design<
TRAINING MATERIALS FOR ORACLE CRM RELEASES AT PBGCThe materials developed for six new system
releases of Oracle CRM – a $2 million software
implementation - impacted more than 800 end-
users of the Pension Benefit Guarantee
Corporation (PBGC). The implementations
involved a 100-person call center, 8 federal
divisions/offices and 11 field benefits offices
across the US.
CRM 2.0March 2005
Jan.24 - Feb.8, 2005PBGC Training Institute, Washington, DC
CRM 2.0 Training
Building a Better Connection!
Training design<
TRAINING OF TRAINERS
We can help you with the design and delivery of train-the-trainer Workshops. ’s train-the-trainer workshops delivers superb instruction that build capacity in organizations, and support the action of the newly trained with follow up activities and support.
Through the use of collaborative learning, we teach knowing that skills need to be analyzed, taught and evaluated as close as possible to the real environment where the skills “live”.
We offer train-the-trainer programs in the following areas: facilitation skills, customer service, negotiation skills, management and supervisory skills; team productivity; communication. All workshop are customized based on client’s specific needs and include the construction of a training portal for your organization’s new training ‘cadre’.
Step 1Define Client Business Need
Step 2Assess Learning Needs/Resources
Step 3Draft Workshop Proposal
Step 4Incorporate Client’s
Feedback Step 5
Design Pilot Materials Step 6
Deliver/Evaluate Workshop
Case study
Training design<
TRAIN-THE-TRAINER STRATEGY for YMCA of GREATER OMAHAWe met for three days with the YMCA trainers
supported by two instructional designers and a
typist. By the end of day three the participants
had designed their own custom-made learning
activities ready to be used across all YMCA
branches for their classes. This Materials
Development Workshop was a cheaper/more
effective alternative to expensive custom training
materials development. Furthermore our
innovative approach had buy-in built into the
process!
Training design<
WEB CONFERENCING
Through the use of WebEx Training Center™ we have delivered communication and training to employees, customers, and partners anywhere there is an internet connection and a phone.
Our experience with this technology engages learners in a rich online classroom, capturing their attention with live, interactive training in a virtual classroom where we make full use of testing, breakout sessions, and hands-on lab access.
Web Conferencing allows to provide training to a vast user base for a fraction of the cost of comparable similar initiatives. Leveraging the power of this tool delivers personalized attention without the cost and delay of travel - and keep them current during a variety of corporate initiatives.
With training budgets lowered and complexity increasing, WEBEX can be a powerful way to do much more with less: support as many people’s learning process as possible while limiting their time away from the office.
Step 1Announce Initiative
Step 2Prepare Materials for Session
Step 3Design Email invitation
Step 4Communicate Link or Web
Site Step 5Implement
Case study
Training design<
WEBEX SESSIONS FOR VARIOUS CLIENTSWe have integrated Web conferencing as part of
the larger instructional strategy for various
clients. By using experiential activities, music
and inquiry teaching skills we have transferred
into the WEBEX virtual classroom environment
the active engagement of classroom sessions.
More importantly, we have avoided the
prevalent “lecture mode” of many of today’s
Web-inars that turns so many people against
this new technology.”
Training design<
FACILITATING IT PROJECTS COMMUNICATION(SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS / DESIGN SESSIONS FOR SOFTWARE PROJECTS)
In a complex software integration project the combined changes to people’s skills, business process re-design and technology can be hard to tame. Meetings can help in the critical and complex phases of design and requirements with the skills of meeting facilitation.
A professionally facilitated Design or Requirement Workshop is a proven method for getting the right design feedback or requirements, fast, while building a positive and healthy project community.
Through the skillful use of the project’s most precious resources - the community of the users, the developers and the stakeholders - these meetings allow teams to manage complexity leveraging information and solving problems from multiple perspectives.
Step 1Collect Client Information
Step 2Define Business Case
Step 3Analyze Context/Users
Step 4Propose Meeting/Schedule
Step 5Design Meeting Materials
Step 6Conduct Meeting
Case study
Training design<
Meeting Objective: The purpose of this meeting is: To get the input of trainees supervisors before the training designTo make training decisions about class participants in each training sessionTo define a schedule for budgeted classroom sessions
Meeting Location: Client’s Office
Meeting Date: 60 days before training
Deliverable: Tentative classroom training schedule
Attendees: Project team, directors, supervisors of all trainees
TASK DURATION
EXPECTED OUTCOME
1.Introductions: Warm-up and Review. What is the Members Only Software Training?
10 min.
Group readiness
1.Training needs definition. What skills will these individuals need to have to perform their job?
55 min.
Determine who needs to learn what skills
1.Session assignments adjustments. What needs to be changed?
15 min.
Decision on miscellaneous issues of identified training sessions and participants
1.Tentative training schedule. What dates are we planning to deliver these skills to this group of trainees ?
15 min.
Tentative Training Schedule
1.Conclusions: meeting review and evaluation.
15 min.
Feedback for quality and continuous improvement
MEETING MATERIALS FOR IT PROJECTS AT MEMBERS ONLY SOFTWAREIn absence of a full scale testing stage, we used
innovative meeting design for creative testing
sessions to elicit everyone’s best input and
involve the user’s community. The process tested
the system quality while integrating it within the
organization’s business process.
Training design<
FACILITATING LARGE SCALE CHANGE
When ParticipAction supports organization change we work at designing conversations that reveal new beginnings through cultural engineering.
The process involves discovery, imagination and risk. We use a range of tools and techniques that may range from individual interviews, writing and conducting surveys, or bringing client staff together for focus groups or a retreat.
Approaches may address process modeling, systems thinking or action learning interventions. We might employ Open Space Technology, Conversation Café’ or another state-of-the-art approach to challenge and engage the “system”.
During the process, we start defining the change scope with the stakeholders, assess organizational climate and define objectives and goals in specific terms. Results are clear, manageable and self-sustaining.
Step 1Define Change Scope with
Stakeholders Step 2
Assess Organizational Climate Step 3
Define Objective/Stategy/Plans Step 4
Design/Develop Drive for Change
Step 5Focus on
Knowledge/Skills/Attitudes Step 6
Communicate Support Change Roll-out
Step 7Communicate/Assess Lessons
Learned
Case study
Training design<
Meeting Objective: The purpose of this meeting is: To get the input of trainees’ supervisors before the training designTo make training decisions about class participants in each training sessionTo define a schedule for budgeted classroom sessions
Meeting Location: Client’s Office
Meeting Date: 60 days before training
Deliverable: Tentative classroom training schedule
Attendees: Project team, directors, supervisors of all trainees
TASK DURATION
EXPECTED OUTCOME
1.Introductions: Warm-up and Review. What is the Members Only Software Training?
10 min.
Group readiness
1.Training needs definition. What skills will these individuals need to have to perform their job?
55 min.
Determine who needs to learn what skills
1.Session assignments adjustments. What needs to be changed?
15 min.
Decision on miscellaneous issues of identified training sessions and participants
1.Tentative training schedule. What dates are we planning to deliver these skills to this group of trainees ?
15 min.
Tentative Training Schedule
1.Conclusions: meeting review and evaluation.
15 min.
Feedback for quality and continuous improvement
“WORLD CAFÉ” MEETINGS FOR KEANE IMPLEMENTATIONWith the background of music and an ambiance
resembling more one of a café’- tablecloth and coffee on
the tables - groups were asked to tackle important
system issues for a major new internal policy
implemented as a result of a new ERP system. These
conversation café’s-style sessions helped in the
complex task where traditional top-down processes had
failed.
Training design<
SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION TRAINING
When implementing a new system, the focus is usually on the technology. However, unless organizations also provide their people with the skills and knowledge they need to use the new system, large technology investments can result in low productivity, frequent errors, and poor usability.
What if you anticipate not just a new technology, but a new way to work? What happen is you plan the integration of the technology with the internal business process and the delivery of proper skills to staff?
At ParticipAction, we help our clients look at the whole picture: people, processes, and technology. We design and deliver training and support tools that help end users understand how to do their jobs with the new system to ensure your implementation success.
Our solutions are designed to minimize errors, improve productivity through the full use of al new software features and minimize support time, often for geographically dispersed audiences.
Step 1Early Involvement in Systems
Design Step 2
Content Outline/Assessment of impact on Internal Business
Processes Step 3
Users’ Needs Analysis Focus groups Step 4
Training Strategy Design/Development
Step 5Set Up System/Data for Training
Session Step 6
Delivery of Training Sessions
Case study
Training design<
TRAINING STRATEGY FOR ORACLE CRM 2.0 IMPLEMENTATION AT PBGCThe Training best practices we introduced at the
Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation were adopted
by the federal agency. Our CRM 2.0 training plan
made such an impression that the agency included it
as a template for training initiatives in their Systems
Life Cycle Methodology (SLCM), the standards that
federal and contractors working at PBGC have to
follow when planning/executing training for new
systems.
Training design<
EXECUTIVE RETREATS/STRATEGIC PLANNING
ParticipAction can help design and facilitate off-site meetings in which a team reflects on how it is working, the challenges ahead, and how best to move forward.
Conversation as the medium of organizational intelligence sometimes does not produce movement. People continue to see things differently, the discussion becomes repetitive, or seeming agreements are not acted upon. We help important conversations go beyond where they otherwise bog down.
Well functioning leadership teams require dialogue competence to keep conversation moving and to improve insight. We help teams develop this competence in customized sessions using powerful experiential approaches such as Collaborative Inquiry or Graphic Facilitation.
Step 1Define Goal and Objectives
Step 2Define Strategy/Plans
Step 3Outline Proposed Agenda
Step 4Support Organizing
Committee Step 5
Finalize Logistics
Case study
Training design<
“LESSONS LEARNED” RETREAT WITH VARIOUS CLIENTSthe reflective conversations and participative
experiential activities of a multi-day retreat are
designed to have participants learn from past
experience. These events normally lead to
breakthroughs thinking on business issues while
building cohesive teams. A few results we helped
bring about with various clients include a new
internal policy on inter-team communication, an
action plan for the new fiscal year or a strategy
document drafted collaboratively.
Training design<
COMMUNICATIONS MATERIALS
A good way to make sure people are on the same page when working on a multi-party project (with stakeholders, developers, business representatives, remote offices, etc.) is to develop communications material that can be easily shared across teams.
This work, often overlooked, can help document and explain the work ahead and provide a perspective on the entire project with easy to understand materials like: maps, white papers, press releases, promotional vouchers, course descriptions, photo albums of team accomplishments.
The objective is to make the complexity of the work needed either for a successful system rollout or for a major organizational initiative tangible and easy to understand .
Step 1Define Purpose and Content
Step 2Analyze Target Audience
Step 3Brainstorm Ideas
Step 4Design Media Mix
Step 5Design/Develop Materials
Step 6Broadcast Step 7
Evaluate Impact
Case study1 Case study2
Training design<
COMMUNICATIONS MATERIALS for VARIOUS CLIENTSThe communications materials we developed for
various clients has helped them communicate
technical and non-technical information in a format
that is clear and easy to understand. Our finished
product includes both text, graphics, and activities
to reach the target audience speaking their
language to create understanding and inspire
action.
Training design<
FORUMS/YAHOO GROUPS/ON-LINE SURVEYS FOR THE WASHINGTON COMMITEE OF ITALIANS ABROAD:Our work with the DC Representation of Italian
nationals in the Washington area (COMITES)
resulted in the creation of web pages, internal e-
mail, surveys, chat rooms, bulletin boards and an
on-line forum. With the leadership of the Italian
Embassy in DC we were able to improve
communication of critical events with more than
3,000 people.