GAO finds IT training 'strategic element'
Information technology training is "a strategic element in achieving corporate objectives," not just a support function, according to a new GAO report.
The GAO found that the companies it studied:
Alignment of IT training with business goals
Identification and assessment of IT training needs
Allocation of IT training resources
Design and delivery of IT training
Evaluation and demonstration of the value of IT training
Adopted key practices to align IT training with business goals such as involving top management and end users in planning training and addressing future skill needs in planning for training.
Have practices in place to more effectively assess training needs rather than simply fulfilling training requests, most companies.
Prioritize and manage to ensure that training projects are effectively identified and implemented.
Use traditional, instructor-led training, but are taking advantage of technology to deliver training to students' desktops.
Went beyond just obtaining participant reactions in evaluating training. Some used tests or certifications to validate that the content was understood; some used evaluations that measured business results.
Information technology training is "a strategic element in achieving corporate objectives," not just a support function, according to a General Accounting Office study of IT training practices in leading commercial companies.
The study, published this week, included IBM, AT&T, Raytheon Co., Cisco and Science Applications International Corp.
The GAO identified 22 existing and emerging training practices in five areas:
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