E-Human Resource Management 23. This book is presented in four sections — the first intended to be more general in nature, the following three devoted to specific aspects of the HRM field in the new information era. Section I, The Cutting-Edge in HRM, presents an overview of how ITCs are modifying general HRM processes and functions. This is the aim of the first three contributions. | 184 Comacchio Scapolan of e-learning in terms of higher training costs is a pressure that exceeds a company s resistance to adoption costs. E-Learning Strategy As seen in previous paragraphs Italian companies belonging to the two industries analyzed have invested in e-learning in the last few years. Thus most ofthem do not yet have a well-designed and implemented e-learning strategy. However their reply to the question on objectives shows that a common trend among banks and pharmaceutical companies can be identified. Data from the survey show that the main benefit expected from e-learning is flexibility of designing and delivering courses anywhere and anytime . A second advantage is connectivity that fosters communication and diffusion of knowledge in the company. In addition to these factors there is cost reduction. Objectives as expected are mainly associated with efficiency and flexibility those more easily related to competitive bandwagon pressures. Table 3. Aims of e-learning PHARMA OBJECTIVES . BANK OBJECTIVES . Anywhere training close st to the trainee 32 Anytime when I want at the right time Updating training content rapidly and efficiently Fostering the spread of knowledge within the organisation Flexibility coherence with learning style of trainees Cost savings Fostering communication proc esses within the company Monitoring how much the trainee has leamt Faster learning than traditional training Coherence among training and individual and company objectives Self responsibilityof trainee towards training Attracting talent people multiple choices were possible weighted average on a scale1-4 4 very important 3 important 2 less important 1 not important Copyright 2005 Idea Group Inc. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of Idea Group Inc. is prohibited. E-Learning Strategies of Italian Companies 185 E-Learning Users The
