CII-Avantha Centre to launch best practice modules

Plans to reach 2.5 million SMEs through an e-learning format

In order to reach out to 2.5 million-odd SMEs in the country and assist them in achieving the next level of productivity, competency and employee engagement, the CII-Avantha Centre for Competitiveness for SMEs plans to launch best manufacturing practices like 5S, Poka-Yoke and Flow manufacturing in the e-learning format in English as well as in regional languages.

It has launched an e-learning module with 3M and Kaizen, which are globally acknowledged best manufacturing practices. It has launched the programme in English and Hindi to start with, and plans to offer the module in other languages such as Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati and Telugu.

The e-learning module is in CD form and consists of best manufacturing practices such as 3M and Kaizen. These practices are adopted by every industry segment from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. It helps them to enhance production and employee performance, and minimise costing and rejections.

The deputy director of the CII-Avantha Centre for Competitiveness, Gaurav Mann, told Business Standard, “In order to assist the blue-collar workforce we have used graphic, animation and voice-over, besides text material, in the module which is in CD form. The course has been developed keeping in mind the capability levels of managers, assistant managers, supervisors and blue-collar workers, especially in Indian manufacturing companies. The e-learning modules include an element of self-assessment, whereby the learner gets certified on a particular subject.”

He added, “The biggest USP of the e-learning modules are their competitive pricing points and expertise of preparation. The course content is at present being launched in Hindi and English but will later be released in other regional languages as well.” He added that modules on other popular topics like 5S, Poka-Yoke and Flow manufacturing are under preparation.

According to him the e-learning initiative of the centre will help skill all employees on good shop-floor practices in the most cost-effective way possible. For a large company, this can be used by suppliers and employees. Also, for large companies, the CII Avantha Centre for Competitiveness is willing carry out some degree of customisation.

Mann added that these e-learning modules would allow companies to help their employees learn the best manufacturing practices anytime, anywhere. Progressive companies use e-learning as a strategic tool to boost organisational growth, beat the competition and maintain a competitive edge. The centre will release more e-learning modules in the next few months, to increase the competitiveness of organisations.

The modules help provide more consistent course delivery, offer personalised instruction, increase knowledge retention, reduce travel costs, and yield better learning results than traditional learning.