Discover how we overcame time zone, engagement, and resource challenges to deliver a global eLearning solution using every day tools.
In today’s fast-paced world of international cooperation, managing projects efficiently is more complex than ever. With teams spread across the globe, juggling varying levels of expertise, and different time zones, finding the right project management training solution can seem like an impossible task.
Coordinating training across such diverse factors – time zones, languages, and experience levels – adds further complexity. When traditional eLearning tools fall short, creating an effective, engaging programme demands innovation and flexibility.
That’s exactly the challenge that the German Corporation for International Cooperation GmbH (GIZ) faced. Their project managers, highly qualified experts in their fields, needed a training programme that addressed the company-specific demands of project management. And they needed it in a format that could be delivered to participants worldwide, without the luxury of in-person training.
Here’s how we helped GIZ design a solution that not only overcame these challenges but set their team up for long-term success.
Why Customised eLearning Solutions Are Essential for Global Teams
GIZ’s Academy for International Cooperation (AIZ) had a mission with a clear objective: create a comprehensive training course to upskill their global workforce of project managers. The training had to address the nuances of GIZ-specific project management challenges, incorporate principles of cooperation management, and be accessible to participants all over the world.
And there was a catch: this had to be done using only Microsoft Office 365 tools like MS Teams and SharePoint. No traditional eLearning platforms or SCORM packages. The solution had to fit within the software that GIZ’s team was already using.
How to Overcome Time Zone and Engagement Challenges in Global eLearning
Our first hurdle was to create a flexible and engaging learning solution that worked for participants across different time zones. These managers were not only spread across the globe, but they also had varying degrees of experience in project management, meaning the content needed to be relevant and accessible to everyone – regardless of their starting point.
Adding to the complexity, we couldn’t use traditional eLearning tools like learning management systems (LMS) or interactive SCORM packages. The solution had to be entirely built within the Microsoft Office 365 environment. Our challenge was clear: How do we create an engaging, practical, 30-hour online course using only the tools available in MS Office?
Innovative Ways to Build eLearning Courses Without Traditional LMS Platforms
We started by rethinking how Microsoft Office tools could be repurposed for eLearning. Instead of relying on typical eLearning platforms, we used MS SharePoint to host modular, self-paced content and MS Teams for real-time webinars and discussions. This setup mimicked traditional LMS functionality without the need for additional software.
To address the varying levels of experience among participants, we designed 11.5 hours of modular, theoretical content that learners could complete at their own pace. This allowed them to absorb foundational knowledge before diving into the interactive, skills-focused sessions.
We also spread 18 hours of webinars across four sessions, creating a balance between self-paced learning and real-time interaction. This flexibility was key to keeping participants engaged, no matter their time zone or work schedule.
But we didn’t stop there. Recognising the importance of ongoing support, we integrated a “learning buddy” system and regular “ask-me-anything” sessions with subject matter experts. This ensured that learners weren’t just passive recipients of information but actively applying their new skills and receiving feedback in real time.
Collaborative Strategies for Developing Training Programmes
No project is without its bumps, and this one was no different. One of the biggest challenges we faced was the lack of existing training materials that fit GIZ’s unique needs. Much of the content had to be developed from scratch. Fortunately, we collaborated closely with GIZ’s Sectoral department, who provided invaluable support in creating case studies, practical activities, as well as the theoretical foundations for the self-paced training modules.
This partnership was essential to the project’s success. By working together and having regular feedback loops, we ensured that the content was not only theoretically sound but also highly practical and relevant to GIZ’s real-world challenges.
The Result: Designing Flexible Learning Experiences for Global Teams
In the end, we delivered a course that exceeded the original scope and vision in many ways. GIZ now has a fully functional, flexible eLearning solution that empowers their global project managers with the skills they need, without requiring traditional LMS systems or extensive on-site training.
Learners can access the 11.5 hours of modular content anytime, while the 18 hours of live webinars are spread out to fit their schedules. Post-webinar assignments, whiteboard activities, and the learning buddy system ensure that participants stay engaged and apply what they’ve learned in real time.
Most importantly, this course didn’t just solve GIZ’s immediate training needs. It laid the groundwork for a scalable, ongoing learning culture for project and cooperation management within the organisation—something that will continue to benefit their global workforce long after this project.
How Tailored eLearning Solutions Can Benefit Your Organisation
If your organisation is facing similar challenges—whether it’s coordinating across time zones, upskilling teams with diverse levels of experience, or navigating the limitations of specific tools—we can help. The key to successful eLearning is not just delivering content but designing solutions that align with your unique operational needs and constraints.
Our tailored eLearning programmes ensure that your workforce, no matter where they are located, can access high-quality training in a flexible format. We consider your existing tools, ensuring that the training integrates seamlessly into your current environment without the need for costly new platforms.
Our experience with GIZ demonstrates that even in the most challenging situations, innovative and adaptable eLearning solutions are possible. By leveraging our expertise in creating customised, scalable courses, we help organisations achieve lasting results that go beyond short-term training needs. Let us work with you to build a learning culture that fosters growth, engagement, and long-term success for your teams, no matter the challenges.
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