This is perhaps the biggest decision you will have to make.

12.1 Do it yourself

Of course one option is to provide access to e-learning yourself. Although this is probably beyond the resources and expertise of most Small and Medium Enterprises, it is surprisingly simple with quite cheap hardware and the services of an interested and skilled computer enthusiast. However, most SMEs would have to buy in consultancy and this may not be cheap.

A lot depends on your long-term perspective. If learning is very important to your organisation, as it is for many enterprises in high technologies, and e-learning is a long term investment, or if you already have an infrastructure as part of your core business activities it may be worth considering installing and maintaining your own e-learning provision.

Also if you are a company which is already investing heavily in training, establishing your own e-learning service could be part of a planned development of your training provision. Some companies may also be able to recoup part of their investment by selling training to other enterprises, especially if you are part of an industry cluster or network.

Most guides to e-learning pose two options: to install your own e-learning infratsructure and provision or to outsource. I think there are more options which I will now explore.

12.2 Collaborating in Networks

Economists and researchers have noted the rise of a network culture. Networking is seen as a key factor in the competitiveness of SMEs in the global economy. There are different kinds of networks including:

• Local and regional networks of Small and Medium Enterprises based on geographical location
• Networks based on sector, product and service
• Vertical networks based on supply chains
• Networks around innovation and start up incubators
• Networks based around 'industrial associations' for instance Chambers of Commerce
• Marketing networks.

Often the networks will include local and regional economic development organisations, universities and education and training providers such as vocational colleges.

I suspect that in the next few years we will see the increasing provision of e-learning for SMEs through these networks. In some cases this is already happening. Of course, SMEs are always concerned that vital company know-how will be lost to competitors. In reality, most SMEs have a very limited amount of knowledge which is commercially sensitive and there is no reason why co-operating for training purposes should endanger that information.

So, one option is to look around at your own networks and consider whether you could offer e-learning programmes in collaboration with other network members. Not only would it reduce the cost, but it can give you access to key expertise and resources. Furthermore extended co-operation between different enterprises can allow you to develop a richer environment of learning possibilities and learning materials.

12.3 Existing e-learning provision

A third option is to look at what e-learning provision is already publicly available. Although varying between countries, regions and sectors, there are many organisations who are now offering e-learning and many of them may be keen to extend their target groups to include SME employees.

These include:

• Universities
• Vocational colleges
• Adult education providers
• Industrial associations and employer organisations
• Trade and sector organisations
• Regional economic development organisations
• European and nationally funded projects
• Open colleges and networks
• SME networks and clusters
• Publishers and large private sector e-learning companies

Obviously not all of these will be offering e-learning in your region or country but I know of examples of all of them somewhere in Europe.

However, unless you are very lucky, the degree of customisation for your training needs will be limited. But, for many subject areas, it may be that a standard e-learning programme will be quite sufficient. How flexible the provision will be will depend greatly on the organisational and pedagogic approach of the e-learning provider.

12.4 Outsourcing

Your fourth possibility is to outsource the provision to a consultancy or e-learning company. Obviously this will be more expensive, but does have the advantage of allowing the development of a flexible programme which meets your exact training needs with materials developed to reflect your enterprise and work organisation.

A word of warning here. Some enterprises get very excited because they will 'own' the learning materials. I am not convinced that e-learning materials, as such, have any great intrinsic monetary value. What is far more important is that you are able to work together with the consultant or provider to ensure the materials reflect your needs.

12.5 How to choose a provider

There are many consultancies and companies offering customised e-learning programmes and providing off the shelf programmes as well. They range greatly in size, from small local companies to large multi national enterprises. How should you make a choice? This is not easy. Here are some the factors I would take into account:

• Have they already got materials and programmes which go at least some of the way towards meeting your needs? If so the cost should be lower.
• Do they understand the nature of small businesses? Many providers are primarily targeting large companies who have very different training needs.
• Do they understand the sector or trade in which you are involved? Subject knowledge can be very important for learning.
• What is their track record and reputation? Have they worked with companies in your region or sector before?
• Are they local or do they have local representatives? Personal contact is very important in developing e-learning provision
• How good are their trainers? Do they have qualified trainers who you can relate to?
• How much support are they prepared to give you? Will they work closely with you in developing your e-learning programme or is it a 'hands off' relationship?
• Does their learning and training approach 'feel right' for your employees

One thing I would certainly want to see is their e-learning software and materials and how they are being used. I have been present at many demonstrations when representatives demonstrate the functionality of their platforms but without any content or any learners! If at all possible try the platform first - either personally or by signing one of your employees up for a trail programme.

Of course, there are many other factors involved in your choice, like accreditation, which are covered elsewhere in this handbook. And the factor of price is also always important for SMEs.

However, for me, perhaps the most critical factor may be how far the consultant or e-learning company is prepared to work with you to look at your organisations total learning needs. Of course it may be that you only want a quick course for a couple of employees. But, as I write in the section on informal learning, structured e-learning programmes are only one answer to learning needs. Joining an on-line discussion group can be an effective way of learning. Informal learning is a very powerful learning tool. How far do your potential contractors understand the importance of informal learning and how far are they prepared and able to work with you to develop your workplace to promote all forms of work-based learning?

12.6 Key issues

• Do you wish and do you have the resources to provide the e-learning in-house?
• What networks are you part of? Do they support or provide e-learning?
• Are there other enterprises with which you have contact who may be interested in linking up to provide e-learning?
• Who is providing e-learning programmes in your sector or region?
• Are there educational institutions with whom you can collaborate in establishing e-learning programmes?