Lack of support in problem areas leads to demotivation. Where the application of skills is important a simulation course can be used to re-enforce the training message. Project management techniques can be tried out in a no-risk environment with immediate tutor support for weak areas. This often leads to delegates spending more time discussing the technical detail of the project rather than learning how to apply project management techniques. Skill transfer can be achieved through controlled discussion sessions throughout the course schedule.
Simulations are often a good way to finish an education programme and build project teams.
Delegates must be assessed at the start of the programme to determine which skills, and what level of expertise, should be acquired. Individual training needs analysis should be done with specific company objectives and needs in mind. Distance learning courses should challenge the reader by containing learning exercises that re-enforce the main messages in the text and encourage them to think about the difficulties applying the methods in their work. What must be avoided are distance learning materials that are little more than a condensed book. Exercises should be used as the basis for tutorial discussions.