Training Industry Magazine - Summer 2023 - 38

* Quantify: Facilitate alignment to
broader
business
needs
with
the
ability to quantify standardized
learning outcomes.
Cons:
3. Federated (Hybrid) Operating Model
* Capacity: Limited ability to meet the
full demands of the business units'
continuous learning needs
* Scalability: Learning solutions are
more generalized to meet the broader
needs of the organization, missing
unit-specific nuances.
The Components of a
Learning Ecosystem
1. People: All the organization's
learners, those involved in
creating, developing and
deploying learning and key
stakeholders.
2. Content: Learning collateral
(e.g., videos, eLearning, quick
reference guides, etc.) and
informal learning content
shared through on-the-job
knowledge sharing and
communities of practice.
3. Technology: Systems, tools
and technology to aid in the
delivery and tracking of
employee learning, focused
on user experience and global
accessibility.
4. Data: Measuring and tracking
the effectiveness, value and
business impact of learning
initiatives.
5. Strategy: L&D vision, guiding
principles, long-term goals
and governance defining the
learning culture and how
learning will drive the growth of
employees in alignment with
the business strategy.
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This model includes collaboration
between a centralized L&D function and
business unit L&D teams. Ownership
of
learning
program
standards
and
governance resides in the centralized
L&D function, with business unit L&D
teams designing and delivering learning
assets specific to their business unit.
A federated operating model typically
includes a learning performance
partner role responsible for facilitating
interactions between the business
units and centralized L&D function. See
Figure 3 for an example.
Pros
* Flexibility: Balances freedom with
control by responding to the changing
needs of the organization at the
business unit level while maintaining
a strategic enterprise-wide view.
* Quality: Establishes and reinforces
quality standards and process
efficiency through central governance.
* Fosters a strategic, long-term
approach to a unified learning culture.
Cons
* Clarity: Unclear roles and
responsibilities between L&D teams.
* Complexity: Potential dotted line
relationships and multiple learning
needs mapped separately creates a
complex framework.
* Inconsistency: Possible contradictions
between central and unit-specific
solutions.
ALIGNING THE OPERATING MODEL
TO THE LEARNING ECOSYSTEM
Learning ecosystems evolve on
purpose, combined with an overall
strategy that gives organizations the
ability to build and alter the operating
Consider these three factors and assess
them against the operating models to
find the right fit:
1. The Organizational Structure
* Scalability: Large global organizations
that are highly decentralized and
operating in multiple markets will
work well
with
operating model.
* Economies of scale: Small- to
medium-sized
organizations
that
are highly centralized with a small
number of markets or products align
well with the centralized operating
model.
* Expansion: Fast-paced organizations
supported by strong collaborative
relationships between HR business
partners and the L&D function are a
great match for a federated model.
2. Assessing the Needs of Learners
* Decentralized model: The rate at
which employees' roles change
in the organization, high levels of
internal mobility equate to frequent
reskilling and upskilling by role,
requiring just-in-time and frequent
learning interventions for each
business unit.
the
decentralized
The most
effective L&D
functions are
adopting an
operating model
that flexes with
the needs of the
business.
* Relevancy: The L&D team sits away
from the business unit, heavily relying
on the accuracy of training needs
assessment to drive programs,
content, and learning experiences.
model to meet challenges as they arise.
Understanding how the various parts of
a learning ecosystem interact with one
another is critical to selecting one that
supports broader organizational goals.
Training Industry Magazine - Summer 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Training Industry Magazine - Summer 2023
