AU2013200064B2

AU2013200064B2 - Accreditation tracker

Info

Publication number: AU2013200064B2
Application number: AU2013200064A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Lesley Paula Mackenzie
Original assignee: Accenture Global Services Ltd
Current assignee: Accenture Global Services Ltd
Priority date: 2009-01-28
Filing date: 2013-01-07
Publication date: 2014-05-29
Anticipated expiration: 2030-01-28
Also published as: AU2013200064A1

Abstract

A computer-assisted method including retrieving at a processor a predetermined experience duration and an acceptable performance rating from a computer system, comparing at the processor an employee experience level with the predetermined experience duration and an employee performance rating with the acceptable performance rating, and based on the comparing, determining at the processor a number of training modules from a collection of training modules and an allowed time frame for an employee to complete the number of training modules, wherein the training modules of the collection of training modules are categorized among a plurality of module groups based on performance development areas, wherein comparing the employee performance rating and the acceptable performance rating includes comparing the employee performance rating with a performance consistent with the employee's peer group, further wherein the number of training modules and the allowed time frame for an employee to complete the number of training modules increases when the employee performance rating is lower relative to the employee's peer group or the employee experience level is less than the predetermined experience duration.

Description

-2 ACCREDITATION TRACKER BACKGROUND Business philosophy, according to prior art, emphasizes business 5 independence, in which a business strives to provide needed goods and services within the business itself For example, a business traditionally supports its own education center to provide continuing education to its employees. However, this business philosophy is evolving, where a business is increasingly dependent on external sources for goods and services. There are a multitude of reasons in the 10 marketplace for this trend resulting from economic considerations and increased specialization. A business, for example, may offer continuing education to its workforce in order to maintain its competitive advantage. In order to obtain flexibility in its workforce while controlling education costs, a business often depends on instructors from a third party to teach the courses in the continuing 15 education program. While the current trend is for a company to migrate sources of goods and service to outside the company, the company typically expects that the quality of the goods and services to be as good or better as when provided in-house, This expectation may require an external supplier to certify the goods and services in 20 some fashion. Consequently, the external supplier may have obligations to insure that personnel providing the goods and services are in accordance with quality criteria. BRIEF SUMMARY 25 The present invention provides methods and computer-readable media for accrediting an employee based on training provided to the employee. Different employment areas may be supported, including services and manufacturing. With some embodiments, the employee may be an instructor (who teaches courses for clients and who requires training in order to be accredited in teaching the courses), an 30 information technology specialist (who supports a company's computer and telecommunications systems), or an engineer (who designs hardware and software systems).

-3 In one aspect, the present invention provides a computer-assisted method including: retrieving at a processor a predetermined experience duration and an acceptable performance rating from a computer system; 5 comparing at the processor an employee experience level with the predetermined experience duration and an employee performance rating with the acceptable performance rating; and based on the comparing, determining at the processor a number of training modules from a collection of training modules and an allowed time frame for an 10 employee to complete the number of training modules, wherein the training modules of the collection of training modules are categorized among a plurality of module groups based on performance development areas, wherein comparing the employee performance rating and the acceptable 15 performance rating comprises comparing the employee performance rating with a performance consistent with the employee's peer group, further wherein the number of training modules and the allowed time frame for an employee to complete the number of training modules increases when the employee performance rating is lower relative to the employee's peer group or the 20 employee experience level is less than the predetermined experience duration. In another aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed, causes a processor to perform a method including: 25 retrieving a predetermined experience duration and an acceptable performance rating; comparing an employee experience level with the predetermined experience duration and an employee performance rating with the acceptable performance rating; 30 based on the comparing, determining a number of training modules and an allowed time frame for the employee; based on a performance indicator, selecting the number of training modules from a collection of training modules; and -4 setting an accreditation indication when the employee has completed the number of training modules in the allowed time frame, , wherein the accreditation indication is indicative that the employee is accredited, wherein the training modules of the collection of training modules are 5 categorized among a plurality of module groups based on specific performance development areas, wherein comparing the employee performance rating and the acceptable performance rating comprises comparing the employee performance rating with a performance consistent with the employee's peer group, 10 further wherein the number of training modules and the allowed time frame for an employee to complete the number of training modules increases when the employee performance rating is lower relative to the employee's peer group or the employee experience level is less than the predetermined experience duration. 15 In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus including: a memory; and a processor configured to retrieve instructions from the memory and to perform: retrieving a predetermined experience duration and an acceptable 20 performance rating; comparing an employee experience level with the predetermined experience duration and an employee performance rating with the acceptable performance rating; based on the comparing, determining a number of training modules 25 and an allowed time frame for the employee; based on a performance indicator, selecting the number of training modules from a collection of training modules; and setting an accreditation indication when the employee has completed the number of training modules in the allowed time frame, wherein the 30 accreditation indication is indicative that the employee is accredited, -4a wherein training modules comprising said collection of training modules are categorized among a plurality of module groups based on specific performance development areas, wherein comparing the employee performance rating and the acceptable 5 performance rating comprises comparing the employee performance rating with a performance consistent with the employee's peer group, further wherein the number of training modules and the allowed time frame for an employee to complete the number of training modules increases when the employee performance rating is lower relative to the employee's peer group or the 10 employee experience level is less than the predetermined experience duration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and 15 in which: Figure 1 shows a computer system used in an accreditation tracker system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 shows a flow diagram for determining number of training modules necessary to accredit an instructor in accordance with an embodiment of the 20 invention. Figure 3 shows a flow diagram when an accredited instructor forfeits accreditation in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 shows a flow diagram for determining training modules necessary to accredit an employee (e.g., an instructor that is seeking accreditation) in accordance 25 with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 shows a collection of training module groups in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 shows an exemplary accreditation tracking spreadsheet in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

-4b Figure 7 shows a first portion of an instructor evaluation form in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

-5 Figure 8 shows a second portion of an instructor evaluation form in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION 5 Embodiments support the accreditation (certification) of an employee based on training provided to the employee. Different employment areas are supported, including services and manufacturing. For example, the employee may be an instructor (who teaches courses for clients and who requires training in order to be accredited in teaching the courses), an information technology specialist (who 10 supports a company's computer and telecommunications systems), or an engineer (who designs hardware and software systems). Elements of the present invention may be implemented with computer systems, such as the system 100 shown in Figure 1. System 100 may execute a process (e.g. processes 200-400 as shown in Figures 2-4, respectively) in accordance 15 with aspects for the invention as disclosed herein. Computer 100 includes a centre processor 110, a system memory 112 and a system bus 114 that couples various system components including the system memory 112 to the central processor unit 110. System bus 114 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a 20 peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The structure of system memory 112 is well known to those skilled in the art and may include a basic input/output system (BTOS) stored in a read only memory (ROM) and one or more program modules such as operating systems, application programs and program data stored in random access memory (RAM). 25 Computer 100 may also include a variety of interface units and drives for reading and writing data. In particular, computer 100 includes a hard disk interface 116 and a removable memory interface 120 respectively coupling a hard disk drive 118 and a removable memory drive 122 to system bus 114, Examples of removable memory drives include magnetic disk drives and optical disk drives. The drives and 30 their associated computer-readable media, such as a floppy disk 124 provide nonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for computer 100. A single hard disk drive 118 and a single -6 removable memory drive 122 are shown for illustration purposes only and with the understanding that computer 100 may include several of such drives. Furthermore, computer 100 may include drives for interfacing with other types of computer readable media. A storage device (e.g., hard disk drive 118) may store predetermined 5 values that are accessed when processing a process (e.g., process 200, 300, or 400) when executing program data. A user can interact with computer 100 with a variety of input devices. Figure I shows a serial port interface 126 coupling a keyboard 128 and a pointing device 130 to system bus 114. Pointing device 128 may be implemented with a mouse, 10 track ball, pen device, or similar device. Of course one or more other input devices (not shown) such as a joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, touch sensitive screen or the like may be connected to computer 100. Computer 100 may include additional interfaces for connecting devices to system bus 114. Figure 1 shows a universal serial bus (USB) interface 132 coupling 15 a video or digital camera 114 to system bus 114. An IEEE 1394 interface 136 may be used to couple additional devices to computer 100. Furthermore, interface 136 may configured to operate with particular manufacture interfaces such as FireWire developed by Apple Computer and i.Link developed by Sony. Input devices may also be coupled to system bus 114 through a parallel port, a game port, a PCI board 20 or any other interface used to couple and input device to a computer. Computer 100 also includes a video adapter 140 coupling a display device 142 to system bus 114. Display device 142 may include a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), field emission display (FED), plasma display or any other device that produces an image that is viewable by the user. Additional output 25 devices, such as a printing device (not shown), may be connected to computer 100. Sound can be recorded and reproduced with a microphone 144 and a speaker 166. A sound card 148 may be used to couple microphone 144 and speaker 146 to system bus 114. One skilled in the at will appreciate that the device connections shown in Figure 1 are for illustration purposes only and that several of the peripheral 30 devices could be coupled to system bus 114 via alternative interfaces. For example, video camera 134 could be connected to IEEE 1394 interface 136 and pointing device 130 could be connected to USB interface 132.

-7 Computer 100 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or mom remote computers or other devices, such as a server, a router, a network personal computer, a peer device or other common network node, a wireless telephone or wireless personal digital assistant. Computer 100 includes a 5 network interface 150 that couples system bus 114 to a local area network (LAN) 152. Networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks and home computer systems. A wide area network (WAN) 154, such as the Intemet, can also be accessed by computer 100. Figure 1 shows a modem unit 156 connected to serial port 10 interface 126 and to WAN 154. Modem unit 156 may be located within or external to computer 100 and may be any type of conventional modem such as a cable modem or a satellite modem. LAN 152 may also be used to connect to WAN 154. Figure 1 shows a router 158 that may connect LAN 152 to WAN 154 in a conventional manner. 15 It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other ways of establishing a communications link between the computers can be used. The existence of any of various well-known protocols, such as TCP/IP, Frame Relay, Ethernet, FTP, HTTP and the like, is presumed, and computer 100 can be operated in a client-server configuration to permit a user to retrieve web pages frm a 20 web-based server. Furthennore, any of various conventional web browsers can be used to display and manipulate data on web pages. The operation of computer 100 can be controlled by a variety of different program modules. Examples of program modules are routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement 25 particular abstract data types. The present invention may also be practiced with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCS, minicomputers, mainfrme computers, personal digital assistants and the like. Furthermore, the invention may also be practiced in distributed computing 30 environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network, In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

-8 Figure 2 shows flow diagram 200 for determining number of training modules necessary to accredit an instructor (employee) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. While flow diagram 200 supports the accreditation of instructors. embodiments support the accreditation (certification) of an employee in 5 different areas of business that include services and manufacturing as previously discussed. With the exemplary scenario shown in Figure 2, even though the instructor teaches courses to train clients, the instructor may be required to complete training modules in order to obtain accreditation for teaching those courses. An instructor 10 follows one of different possible accreditation paths. With a first path, an instructor with more than 3 years delivery experience (as determined by step 201) and who are demonstrating a delivery performance level that is consistent or higher with the instructor's peer group (as determined by step 213), is required to complete a minimum of 2 training modules in 1 year to become accredited (corresponding to 15 step 217). With a second path, wi instructor with 1-3 years experience (as determined by steps 201 and 203) and who is demonstrating a delivery performance level that is consistent or higher with the instructor's peer group (as determined by step 207), is required to complete a minimum of 3 training modules in 18 months to become accredited (corresponding to step 209). With a third path, an instructor with less than 20 1 year experience is required to complete at least 5 training modules within 2 years (corresponding to step 205). With a fourth path, an instructor whose delivery performance is lower than consistent with the instructor's peer group is required to complete at least 5 taining modules within 2 years (corresponding to steps 211 and step 215). 25 Detenmining whether an instructor has completed a training module may be based on different criteria. For example, an instructor may be given credit for completing a training module merely by the instructor attending all the sessions of the training module. With other embodiments, a different criterion may be used, e.g., passing an examination that tests the instructor's understanding of concepts that were 30 presented in the training module. Figure 3 shows flow diagram 300 when an accredited instructor forfeits accreditation in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. If an accredited -9 instructor's performance falls below satisfactory as determined by step 301, the instructor forfeits accreditation in step 303 Consequently, the instmuctor needs to repeat process 200 (as shown in Figure 2) in step 305 in order to regain accreditation. When the instructor has completed the required training modules as determined by 5 step 307, the instructor is reaccredited in step 309. Figure 4 shows flow diagram 400 for determining training modules necessary to accredit an employee (e.g., an instmuctor that is seeking accreditation) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. With an embodiment, training modules are presented through a virtual training approach. Each training module is 10 typically presented at remote sites at scheduled times. In order to complete the training module, the employee must participate during the entire training module. However, with other embodiments the instructor must pass a test to demonstrate mastery of the material in the module. Based on process 200, step 401 receives the number of training modules that 15 the instructor must complete in order to be accredited. Step 403 aligns training modules based on a performance indicator (corresponding to a performance development area) associated with the instructor in order for the instructor to be accredited. Training modules may be grouped according to different performance indicators, which correspond to the instructor's teaching responsibility. An instructor 20 may teach courses that are directed to different client audiences (eg, managers, technical personnel, or executives). For example, performance indicators may include a business operator, a value creator, or a people developer based on the intended audience of the courses taught by the instructor. Moreover, the instructor may have more than one performance indicator if the instructor teaches courses 25 spanning a plurality of different client audiences, If the number of training modules that are associated with the instructor's performance indicator is less than the number specified by process 200, training modules corresponding to related performance indicators may be selected in steps 405 and 407. For example, as shown in Figure 2, an instructor with less than 1 year 30 of experience is required to complete at least 5 training modules in 2 years in order to be accredited, If the instructor is characterized by a performance indicator having - 10 less than 5 courses, the instructor may be required to take training modules that are associated with related performance indicators. If an instructor is characterized by more than one performance Indicator, training modules from the plurality of associated performance indicators may be 5 selected for the instructor in order to be accredited. In order to obtain accreditation, the instructor (employee) completes training modules from a set (collection) of modules in order to obtain accreditation. Training modules are typically categorized in one of a plurality of module groups (sets) based on specific performance development areas. For example, perfonnance development 10 areas are partitioned into business operator, value creator, and people developer. The business operator development performance area includes the brown bag module and the virtual instructor led training module. The value creator development performance area includes the cuhural diversity module and the best practices module. The people developer development performance area includes the 15 energizing techniques for learning module, coaching module, delivery techniques module, advanced techniques module, and menoring module. With the brown bag training module, information and knowledge are conveyed in various formats. A "brown bag" is a common, relatively informal knowledge exchange that often occurs during lunch time. "Brown bags" range in 20 formality from impromptu brainstorming to highly structured "Lunch and Lean" sessions. With the completion of the training module, the participant (instructor being accredited) is expected to understand the definition and purpose of a brown bag and how it differs from other training methods, learn the key elements in designing and delivering a brown bag session, discuss considerations of 25 communicating and marketing a brown bag, and design and deliver a brown bag session. With the energizing techniques for learning training module, the instructor participates in an interactive session that is designed to add to an instructor's tool kit of energizing techniques that can be used in a classroom setting to enhance 30 participant engagement. This training module incorporates many activities so the participants can learn, practice, and share experiences with other participants. The training module presents topics that include an understanding classroom energy, - 11 safety, and how to facilitate activities. There are typically a wide range of activities from "Icebreakers" and "Getting to Know You" to more advanced "Teambuilding and Communication" exercises. The virtual instructor led training (vifT) training module provides an 5 introduction in delivering virtual led instructor courses. The frst session covers the general techniques of virtual led instruction are covered. The second session covers the tools for the delivery of a vILT course. The coaching training module provides a workshop that focuses on situations where instructors are required to coach others on an individual (one-to-one coaching) 10 and in a facilitative way within groups. The workshop looks at techniques for enhancing instructors existing skill levels in: listening, building rapport, empathizing, questioning, challenging, adapting style and approach to others needs, giving and receiving feedback. The workshop is very interactive and practical in nature, and is intended to be delivered face to face wherever practical. After completing the 15 training module, the instructor is expected to be able to state what coaching is, how it differs from teaching, and its benefits and typical situations in which it would be appropriate to adopt a coaching style. In addition, the training module enables the instructor to identify the beliefs, skills and characteristics of an effective coach, develop their ability to read other people's reactions, empathize with them and adapt 20 their style to other needs, develop their skills in building rapport, listening, questioning and challenging others, and develop their skills in giving and receiving feedback effectively. The cultural diversity training module helps instructors develop the skills to effectively interact with cross cultural issues when delivering training to a global 25 audience. There is an opportunity to reflect and discuss within the group the ground rules of effective cross cultural communication Instntors can then apply the learning and identify possible solutions for the day-to-day issues that may occur when teaching abroad. The second part of the module offers practical guidance by reviewing tools that assist instructors in information gathering about different 30 countries and learn about the relevant cultural backgrounds. The delivery techniques training module provides an introduction into the basic presentation techniques using the presentation triangle to ensure that instructors - 12 consider three key areas within their delivery, which are audience, subject and speaker, to enable them to produce effective presentations. The module then builds on the three key areas, discussing each in more depth and how the instructors can use different skills and techniques to best advantage. 5 The advanced techniques training module builds on the delivery techniques module to cover the areas of questioning and productively coping with difficult course participants, This module looks at six styles of questioning and how each type of question can assist the instructor in gaining audience participation. The training module also explores how to effectively respond to delegates answers. The module 10 then looks at several techniques to assist the instructor when they come across unwelcome participation this is covered within the module on handling difficult participants. The best practices training module incorporates training standards and the connection between the global standards and instructor best practices and 15 competencies. The module gives instructors a clear understanding of the expectations the company requires from all instructors and the techniques to assist all instructors in achieving the standards. The mentoring training module provides information and knowledge on mentoring and the importance of mentoring in the development of people. This 20 module includes discussion, best practices and role playing. The module gives instructors a clear understanding of what is mentoring, the role of a mentor and the role of a prottgde (mentee), the importance of mentoring for employee development, and a process to achieving results in mentoring- The module also allows instructors to practice and role play mentoring situations. 25 In general, a performance indicator is related to an employee's (e.g., an instructor's) job responsibility or job assignment. For example, technical personnel may be required to take technically-rclated training modules, a manager may be required to take training modules associated with people development, and an executive may be required to take training modules related to business enhancement. 30 Figure 5 shows a collection of training module groups in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. With the exemplary embodiment, training modules are associated with module groups 501, 503, 505, 507, and 509. As previously discussed, - 13 each module group is associated with a performance indicator. Moreover, a module group may be related to another module group. For example, module group 501 is related to module group 509 and module group 503. While not explicitly shown, relationships between module groups may have different degrees of group 5 relationships (e.g. weak, strong, and very strong) so that additional training modules (corresponding to step 407 as shown in Figure 4) may be selected based on the degree of group relationships. Figure 6 shows exemplary accreditation tracking spreadsheet 600 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Instructors are scheduled to attend 10 different training modules 603-611 in order to obtain accreditation as determined by processes 200 and 400. For example in entry 601, the instructor is required to complete modules 605 (module 3 - "Virtual Led Instructor Training") and 608 (module 6 - "Delivery Techniques") in order to be accredited. (Referring to process 2 as shown in Figure 2, the instructor has more than 3 years of experience with a 15 performance rating that is consistent or better and who is categorized as a "people developer.") The instructor has completed training module 608 and is scheduled to take training module 605. Figure 7 shows first portion 700 of an instructor evaluation form in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The evaluation form is typically 20 submitted by participants who have completed a course that is taught by the instructor, The participant selects a value from rating scale 701 for each question in evaluation portion 700. With some embodiments, the instructor's performance rating is determined (either fully or partially) from the rating scores submitted by course participants. 25 Figure 8 shows second portion 800 of the instructor evaluation form in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. While the responses from portion 800 do not typically affect the instructor's performance rate, the responses may provide valuable feedback to the instructor so that the instructor can improve future course presentations and consequently improve future evaluation ratings in portion 30 701. .As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a computer system with an associated computer-readable medium containing instructions for controlling the -14 computer system may be utilized to implement the exemplary embodiments that axe disclosed herein. The computer system may include at least one computer such as a microprocessor, a cluster of microprocessors, a mainframe, and networked workstations. S While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. 10 Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps, 15 The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form or suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

Claims

1. A computer-assisted method including: retrieving at a processor a predetermined experience duration and an 5 acceptable performance rating from a computer system; comparing at the processor an employee experience level with the predetermined experience duration and an employee performance rating with the acceptable performance rating; and based on the comparing, determining at the processor a number of training 10 modules from a collection of training modules and an allowed time frame for an employee to complete the number of training modules, wherein the training modules of the collection of training modules are categorized among a plurality of module groups based on performance development areas, 15 wherein comparing the employee performance rating and the acceptable performance rating includes comparing the employee performance rating with a performance consistent with the employee's peer group, further wherein the number of training modules and the allowed time frame for an employee to complete the number of training modules increases when the 20 employee performance rating is lower relative to the employee's peer group or the employee experience level is less than the predetermined experience duration.

2. A method according to claim 1, further including: based on a performance indicator, selecting at the processor the number of 25 training modules from a collection of training modules; and -16 setting an accreditation indication in the computer system when the employee has completed the number of training modules in the allowed time frame, wherein the accreditation indication is indicative that the employee is accredited. 5

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, the method further including: equating the number of training modules to a first, second, third or fourth number when the employee experience level is not less than the predetermined experience duration and the employee performance rating is not less than the 10 acceptable performance rating.

4. A method according to claim 2 further including: retrieving a satisfactory performance rating from the computer system; and clearing the accreditation indication for the employee when the employee 15 performance rating is less than the satisfactory performance rating.

5. A method according to claim 4, further including: repeating the comparing and the determining; based on the performance indicator, selecting the number of training modules 20 from the collection of training modules; and resetting the accreditation indication for the employee when the employee has completed the number of training modules in the allowed time frame.

6 A method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the selecting 25 includes: -17 associating the performance indicator with a first module group of the plurality of module groups; characterising a work assignment of the employee with the performance indicator; and 5 selecting, for the employee, training modules from the module group.

7. A method according to claim 6, further including: selecting other training modules from a related module group when a sufficient number of training modules from the first module group is not selected. 10

8. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed, causes a processor to perform a method including: retrieving a predetermined experience duration and an acceptable performance rating; 15 comparing an employee experience level with the predetermined experience duration and an employee performance rating with the acceptable performance rating; based on the comparing, determining a number of training modules and an allowed time frame for the employee; 20 based on a performance indicator, selecting the number of training modules from a collection of training modules; and setting an accreditation indication when the employee has completed the number of training modules in the allowed time frame wherein the accreditation indication is indicative that the employee is accredited, -18 wherein the training modules of the collection of training modules are categorized among a plurality of module groups based on specific performance development areas, wherein comparing the employee performance rating and the acceptable 5 performance rating includes comparing the employee performance rating with a performance consistent with the employee's peer group, further wherein the number of training modules and the allowed time frame for an employee to complete the number of training modules increases when the employee performance rating is lower relative to the employee's peer group or the 10 employee experience level is less than the predetermined experience duration.

9. A computer-readable medium according to claim 8, said method further including: equating the number of training modules to a first, second, third or fourth 15 number when the employee experience level is not less than the predetermined experience duration and the employee performance rating is not less than the acceptable performance rating.

10. A computer-readable medium according to either claim 8 or claim 9, said 20 method further including: retrieving a satisfactory performance rating; and clearing the accreditation indication for the employee when the employee performance rating is less than the satisfactory performance rating. -19

11. A computer-readable medium according to claim 10, said method further including: based on the performance indicator, selecting the number of training modules from the collection of training modules; and 5 resetting the accreditation indication for the employee when the employee has completed the number of training modules in the allowed time frame.

12. A computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 8 to 11, said method further including: 10 associating the performance indicator with a module group; characterizing a work assignment of the employee with the performance indicator; and selecting, for the employee, training modules from the module group. 15

13. A computer-readable medium according to claim 12, said method further including: selecting other training modules from a related module group when a sufficient number of training courses is not selected. 20

14. An apparatus including: a memory; and a processor configured to retrieve instructions from the memory and to perform: retrieving a predetermined experience duration and an acceptable 25 performance rating; -20 comparing an employee experience level with the predetermined experience duration and an employee performance rating with the acceptable performance rating; based on the comparing, determining a number of training modules and an 5 allowed time frame for the employee; based on a performance indicator, selecting the number of training modules from a collection of training modules; and setting an accreditation indication when the employee has completed the number of training modules in the allowed time frame wherein the 10 accreditation indication is indicative that the employee is accredited, wherein training modules including said collection of training modules are categorized among a plurality of module groups based on specific performance development areas wherein comparing the employee performance rating and the acceptable 15 performance rating includes comparing the employee performance rating with a performance consistent with the employee's peer group, further wherein the number of training modules and the allowed time frame for an employee to complete the number of training modules increases when the employee performance rating is lower relative to the employee's peer group or the 20 employee experience level is less than the predetermined experience duration.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the processor is further configured to: equate the number of training modules to a first, second, third or fourth 25 number when the employee experience level is not less than the predetermined -21 experience duration and the employee performance rating is not less than the acceptable performance rating.

16. An apparatus according to either claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the processor 5 is further configured to: retrieve a satisfactory performance rating; and clear the accreditation indication for the employee when the employee performance rating is less than the satisfactory performance rating. 10

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to: based on the performance indicator, selecting the number of training modules from the collection of training modules; and reset the accreditation indication for the employee when the employee has 15 completed the number of training modules in the allowed time frame.

18. An apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the processor is further configured to: associate the performance indicator with a module group; 20 characterize a work assignment of the employee with the performance indicator; and select, for the employee, training modules from the module group.

19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the processor is further 25 configured to: -22 select other training modules from a related module group if a sufficient number of training courses is not selected.

20. A computer-assisted method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein 5 the training modules of the number of training modules are presented to the employee through a virtual training approach.

21. A computer-assisted method according to claim 20, wherein the number of training modules is led by a virtual instructor. 10

22. A computer-assisted method according to claim 1, or a computer-readable storage medium according to claim 8, or an apparatus according to claim 14, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.