The suitability of an Irish third-level blended e-Learning programme for Lean competitiveness training in SMEs

In this paper, we outline the major trends and thinking in e-Learning and in particular its applicability to an industrial audience. We present the results of our design, development and evaluation of a novel blended course for teaching university students. Evaluative feedback included Screen Design, Consistency, Terminology, Ease of Navigation and Explanations. We then outline the various issues that emerged in adapting, further developing and expanding the training material for use by an industrial audience - primarily Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The main issues that were addressed were firstly the reasons and needs for the take-up in SMEs of the competitiveness or "Learn" methods and secondly the attitudes, awareness and expectations of the SMEs to eLearning course materials.