Collaborative online training methods in global production flow

Abstract

Large companies may reinforce their competitiveness in the world market by transferring their internally developed know how and working processes to Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SME) that are recipients of outsourcing contracts within the global production flow. Lack of adequate quality assurance systems and know how transfer guidelines have led to unexpected failures and the requirement for expensive repair procedures. EU directives, harmonized standards, and new training methods promote new production systems where outsourcing of knowledge-based production is frequently used as a necessary process. The regulated European manufacturing industry enhances a new market for trans-national on the job know-how competence transfer where effective, possibly remotely located in-company skills upgrading processes and mentoring/tutoring solutions constitute critical business activities within successful production frameworks. Production standards, guidelines and diplomas are identical. However, know-how and expertise associated with the new production technologies vary enormously throughout Europe when obtained on the job through the daily work. Formalized methodologies for the transfer of on the job knowledge have not been developed due to lack of semantic "interoperability" in the context of technical communication. This paper outlines a model solution for: i) the deployment and validation of new model(s) for transfer of competence and know-how in industry, by mixing learning design, collaborative online learning methods, and industrial video content delivery solutions, and ii) utilization of a new pedagogical framework for organising, delivering, and deploying effective production technology transfer processes that are closely connected to industrial production. Finally, a short review is given of the current situation for use of video in distance education in general, and in-company training of adult students in particular.