How big data is revolutionizing corporate training

3 min read

The days of basing huge business decisions on the “gut feeling” of the CEO are quickly disappearing. Instead, many businesses are turning to big data to help them make better decisions. Many businesses large and small are investing in analytics tools and the staff to utilize them to aid in decision making. An IDG 2015 study showed that 80% of enterprises and 63% of small businesses have used big data or are planning to deploy it in the near future. Big data can be especially useful in the area of employee skill development. By looking at key metrics, companies can make better decisions for corporate training and save themselves a lot of time and energy along the way.

By utilizing big data, HR managers can see exactly where they stand as an organization. They can see where they are strong and where they could use some work at a glance. With this technology, HR managers can determine the best path to take before they engage in a training plan. They can look at specific courses that would benefit the most, see which skills most need to be developed, and match them up to specific courses.

Data can also be used to choose the best type of training for their employees. Should they utilize online courses or would face-to-face training work best? Some companies go with a blended approach depending on their employees work schedules and locations. This can also help you choose the best delivery method for training. Depending on the organization, video, hard copies, online mobile device access, or verbal training might be best.

After the proper training methods are chosen, big data can also help to provide a more individualized approach to training. HR managers can quickly see where their strengths and weaknesses lie and then adjust the training plan accordingly. As the training is being implemented, it can also keep track of progress and see exactly what’s working and what’s not. HR managers can then create more personalized training curriculum that employees find more engaging. By utilizing education technology, trainers can make the program more personalized and achieve better results.

Data specific to the learner such as exam results can be combined with demographic data to help identify problem areas faster. HR managers can then intervene when they find something that needs to be improved upon. This can also help you identify which types of training modules work best for specific employees.

Yves Mulkers

Yves Mulkers is the founder of 7wData and a widely followed voice in the data and AI community. He curates the 7wData and AI Beat newsletters, reaching hundreds of thousands of data and AI professionals, and writes on data strategy, analytics, AI, and the evolving data ecosystem.