Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Electrolux is a global leader in appliances for both household and professional use, selling more than 40 million products in over 150 markets every year. As part of an agenda for streamlining their IT efficiencies, Electrolux implemented an internal project management methodology in December 2005. Entitled the Electrolux Project Management Lifecycle, the methodology provided a template for managing Electrolux IT projects. To support the implementation, the organization developed both printed manuals and Web-based instruction around the methodology and its support tools, and conducted classroom sessions for more than 100 of its project managers worldwide.

While the methodology proved invaluable with regard to standardizing IT project management throughout the enterprise, issues arose during the implementation that indicated to Electrolux that further training in certain project management skills was called for. Specifically, it became clear that the methodology–based training didn’t account for critical project skills areas such as schedule management, controlling project scope, risk analysis and assessment, stakeholder analysis and engagement, and cost estimation techniques. Satty Kenth, HR Manager for the Electrolux IT Operations organization, concluded: “We recognized that there was clearly a significant gap in our project management competence, and it was an area we needed to address and build up.” With the challenge defined, Electrolux now had to identify a provider that could deliver the truly effective training that would enable them to achieve their goals. The resource Electrolux selected was Learning Tree.

In order to make the project management training as efficient and cost–effective as possible, Electrolux chose a “blended” learning solution, combining e–learning with instructor–led training. Working together as partners, Electrolux and Learning Tree assessed the framework of the proposed classroom course and removed two segments that could be delivered beforehand via the Web. These two modules, provided by the Oslo, Norway-based Edvantage Group, focused on an overall introduction to project management methodology—based on the Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK^® Guide)—and the basics of Microsoft Project. Upon completing these, individuals were then ready to begin the Learning Tree Course. Streamlined to three days from its original four, the classroom instruction covered several topics, including project objectives, the project charter, project leadership, risk analysis, estimating, task scheduling and managing resources.

Naturally, with two vendors involved, there was the potential for disagreement or miscommunication, but the cooperation between Learning Tree and E–advantage made for a flawless execution. “One of the best aspects of this experience was the supplier relationship,” said Kenth. “They kept in touch with each other throughout and made sure that everything ran according to plan, so I was very pleased with the way they integrated.”

Electrolux ran the pilot program in February presented at Learning Tree’s Education Center in Stockholm, Sweden. Following its success, the program ran again in May, June and September of 2008. The subsequent feedback from both the attendees and line managers has been very positive. As for choosing to work with Learning Tree, Kenth stated, “I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Learning Tree, and I speak from experience because I attended part of the pilot course. I thought that the instructor, in particular, was fantastic. He had a great deal of personal experience and many real–life examples. I felt the way the training was handled all around was very good.”