Type of Training Technology Used By Federal Express

            In 2002 Federal Express (Fed Ex) developed an online E- learning training system for employees that used the E learning packages provided by Skillsoft which is a company who produces e-learning packages for corporations which can be tailored to the customer’s needs. Fed Ex allowed full time employees to take advantage of these free online courses which were paid for by Fed EX.  These contained materials of a motivational nature and did not directly relate to promotion, or the company’s mission statement, nor the company’s projected areas of growth.  As such, this initial training package alone was not sufficient to meet the company’s needs (E-Learning, 2008).  Despite their efforts turnover remained high and employees were not well prepared for promotional opportunities when these arose. 

            In 2004, the company expanded to include a more detailed version of the skill soft program which blended in the ability to take trainings for college credit.  This enhanced training package was also offered for part-time employees. There was a tremendous effort made to coordinate the curriculum with the company’s projected need for human resources.  By directly relating the training to targeted needs, employees could clearly see why the investment of time in personal development training was well worth their while (E-Learning, 2008). This program is enhanced employee retention and loyalty by providing training and financial assistance in the form of tuition payment.  Employees received additional training Federal Express and used this training to prepare for future job openings. Federal Express developed a clear vision in which they developed a specific course of study to meet a future need thus ensuring a pool of well-trained applicants who were ready for promotion.  The technology needed to run this type of an elaborate training program is surprisingly minimal. Since this is an online course, each employee is responsible to provide their own internet connection, WebCam and computer.  Skillsoft Corporation provides the necessary software to link to its programs.  There is no additional cost to Federal Express for these programs.  

Managing the Technologies

This technology based program is managed by Skillsoft Corporation who is responsible to provide quality online training programs for FedEx. The human resources department works as a team with management and with corporate trainers to create a curriculum tailored to meet their future needs.  These needs are explained in detail to Skillsoft Corporation who works with the corporate trainers from Federal Express to develop and deliver a product that will meet the specific needs of Federal Express. Benefits to the company include having a consistently updated product which requires no additional cost for maintenance or upgrades.  It also allows Federal Express to focus on areas of their specialty rather than getting sidetracked into developing elaborate technology for training purposes. This allows FedEx to play to their strengths. By outsourcing their training Federal Express is better able to focus their attention on other business matters and leave the training to professionals.

Address Concerns and Capability of implementing Web 2.0 Tools

           Organizations use different methods to address concerns regarding the bandwidth and the capability of implementing web 2.0 tools by contracting a third party or simply addressing the concerns and matters within the organization.  FedEx address the concerns of bandwidth and the capability of implementing web 2.0 tools by contracting Airbus Online Services (AOLS).  Airbus Online services provides training to employees through online courses by using computer programs composed of electronic elements for database, thesaurus, database index, online orientation, and assistance (FedEx Corp, 2002).  The recommendations, according to AOLS, on the type and size of bandwidth to access services is 256 KBPS line (for intensive usage), 128 KBPS line (for moderate usage), and 56 KBPS line (minimum requirements).

FedEx employees need to have the following requirements for online training, windows compatibility, Netscape Navigator 4.51 or Internet Explorer 5.0, and Acrobat Reader 3.01 or higher.  Also the Computer Base Training (CBT) allows the FedEx employee to participate in the conference training.  The employee needs to have the Airbus CBT courseware install (FedEx Corp, 2002).  The employee can request assistance from Airbus Online Services to install the courseware.

Upgrades Recommended to Improve Adult Learning

            The upgrade or changes necessary to better provide technology integration for adult learning opportunities for FED-EX would be to use social networking worldwide to provide feedback and customer service to FED-EX customers.  Social networking can be used as a tool to provide feedback, customer-complaints, and/or report on the good services that has been provided.  Social networking can also be used for employers to check out potential candidates.  With the rise of social networking among businesses and professionals in the field, it has become necessary to recognize the importance of what messages are out there for others to see.  A rising percentage of companies are using social networking sites to check out candidates (Loretto, 2010).  Customer service is an important component to FED-EX and integrating social networking to provide better customer support and feedback will enhance the relationship between business and consumer.