As the Chief Learning Officer of Ramco Systems, I am thrilled to share the journey of establishing our award-winning Corporate University. Winning the Gold award for Best Corporate University at the Economic Times HR Future Skills Awards is a testament to our commitment to fostering a continuous learning and development culture. This article aims to provide insights into the approach we took in setting up the Ramco Corporate University.
Background
Ramco Systems is a global enterprise software company specializing in cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions. Our bespoke solutions cater to aviation, logistics, HR payroll, Service-Centric ERP, and Asset-Centric ERP. Our offerings’ rapid growth and complexity necessitated a Corporate Learning University to ensure our workforce was well-prepared to meet business demands.
Vision and Objectives
The strategic vision behind Ramco Corporate University was to align learning with business strategy, drive continuous improvement, and foster innovation. We crafted the vision and objective below by working with the executive leadership team and employees.
Vision of Ramco Corporate University
“We commit to strengthening and sustaining a holistic learning culture.”
Objectives of Ramco Corporate University:
- Enable Organization-wide Capability Development: Through systematic planning and delivery of learning aligned to business needs, we ensure that every employee is equipped with the skills necessary to excel in their roles.
- Provide Relevant Learning Solutions: Offer tailored learning solutions to support career development and organizational growth.
- Innovate and Implement Cutting-edge Learning Techniques: Continuously introduce new methodologies to make learning a distinctive differentiator.
- Foster a Conducive Ecosystem for Self-driven Learning: Promote a collaborative environment that encourages self-driven learning and holistic development.
- Strive for Excellence in Learning Quality and Value: Maintain high industry standards and measurable outcomes in all learning initiatives.
Design Considerations and Principles
Our Corporate University was built on six core principles:
- Do What Matters to Business: Aligning learning initiatives with key business outcomes.
- Co-creation of the Future: Engaging stakeholders in learning design to foster ownership and relevance.
- Accelerate the Culture of Learning: Promoting a continuous learning environment.
- Constant Reinvention: Updating training programs to reflect new trends and strategies.
- Constructive Dialogue: Fostering open communication among learners, trainers, and management.
- Leaving a Legacy: Developing enduring skills for immediate and long-term success.
Corporate University Reference Architecture
Creating a robust reference architecture is crucial when starting to set up a corporate university. At Ramco Corporate University, our reference architecture is designed to support continuous learning and development through various components:
This comprehensive framework ensures that our Corporate University remains agile, innovative, and effective in meeting the evolving needs of our organization.
Corporate University Structure
Establishing a clear structure is fundamental to the success of a Corporate University. Our structure is designed to support strategic alignment and operational efficiency:
This structure supports a well-rounded and effective learning environment, ensuring that all aspects of training and development are covered comprehensively.
Measuring Impact and Success
We measure the success of our programs through various metrics, including:
Quadrant Framework for L&D Impact Measurement:
- Capability Improvement: Evaluates skill acquisition and proficiency.
- Work Environment Enhancement: Assesses how the training has improved the overall work environment and employee engagement.
- Performance Impact: Measures the direct impact on job performance and productivity.
- Business Outcomes: Analyzes the overall business impact, including financial gains and strategic alignment.
We also applied the EEA approach to computing the ROI of Learning. I would encourage you to review my article on LinkedIn to know more about it.
By using this framework, we can precisely measure the return on investment (ROI) of our training programs and ensure they are aligned with our business goals.
Challenges and Solutions
Setting up a Corporate University at Ramco Systems presented several challenges, each requiring specific solutions. Securing executive buy-in involved building trust through consistent communication and data-driven insights. To foster a learning culture, we launched internal marketing campaigns and weekly learning events. Ensuring training efficiency was achieved by optimizing sessions and incorporating practice-based learning. We enhanced the learning experience by continuously improving feedback mechanisms and contextualizing training content. To address completion rates, we implemented recognition systems and structured certifications. Finally, we updated learning technology by adopting a cutting-edge Learning Experience Platform (LXP) and providing virtual practice labs for real-time skill practice.
Lessons Learned
Through the journey of establishing Ramco Corporate University, we learned several valuable lessons. Firstly, aligning Learning & Development (L&D) initiatives with broader business strategy is essential for achieving organizational goals. This alignment ensures that training programs directly contribute to the company’s success. Secondly, effective change management is critical for the sustainability of learning initiatives. By managing change well, we can ensure that learning programs are embraced and utilized effectively throughout the organization. Lastly, incorporating advanced technologies can significantly enhance learning experiences and outcomes. Technologies like AI, RPA, and immersive learning tools make training more engaging and effective, leading to better retention and application of skills.
Conclusion
Ramco Corporate University has made remarkable progress in achieving its goals and delivering impactful training programs. By aligning learning with business strategy and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, we have significantly enhanced our operational capabilities and strategic execution. Our experience and success can serve as a roadmap for other L&D professionals aiming to establish a Corporate University that drives both individual and organizational success.
By investing in a comprehensive and strategically aligned Corporate University, organizations can ensure their workforce remains skilled, motivated, and aligned with their vision for growth and innovation.
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