Bersin & Associates Announces Results of First Comprehensive Study of Training Outsourcing; Survey of 106 Organizations Shows Outsourcing Reduces Per Learner Costs by 31%.

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Study Offers Corporate Executives Insight into Functions Typically Outsourced, Cost and Strategic Benefits, and Impact on Training Effectiveness

Bersin & Associates, the only research and consulting firm solely focused on What Works(R) e-learning research, today announced the availability of its newest report, "Training Outsourcing: The Economics of Outsourcing Training Technology and Operations." Targeted to corporate buyers, service providers, and learning-related consultants, the 35-page report is the first comprehensive study of training outsourcing. The study was funded by KnowledgePlanet, a leading provider of technology and outsourcing services for back-office training functions. Results are based on a 2004 survey of 106 companies, approximately half of which outsource some portion of their training functions.

The Bersin report examines the growing practice of outsourcing for content development, technology implementation and maintenance, administration, and other functions. The report documents significant benefits. Almost half of the 106 companies surveyed for the report outsourced at least one area of training, with an average per-learner savings of 31% and an average 25% reduction in training staff size.

The report also provides data and analysis on topics such as:

--The business drivers leading to the consideration of outsourcing.

--The training functions typically outsourced.

--The impact of outsourcing on staff resources and headcount allocations.

--Strategic benefits recognized by training managers in companies that outsource.

"Our research demonstrates that training outsourcing is indeed a business practice that any savvy manager must consider," said Josh Bersin, president and founder. "Becoming more knowledgeable about the practice and its potential business implications will help managers make the informed decisions that can best benefit the training organization, as well as the enterprise."

"I'm always seeking up-to-the-minute data and analysis that can help support and guide the business decisions I need to make to bring greatest value to the company," said Dawn Griffiths, senior vice president of learning operations for Marsh Inc, a leading risk and insurance services firm "Anyone involved in training needs to continually evaluate all options in light of constantly changing business requirements, budgets, and new technologies.

"We've seen hundreds of companies realize substantial savings from training outsourcing," said Alan Todd, chairman and CEO of KnowledgePlanet. "This report gives the market objective data on the cost savings and efficiencies that can be realized when organizations are free to focus on the strategic aspects of their business."

The outsourcing study is part of Bersin & Associates' What Works series, primary research that offers learning practitioners factual and practical insights that improve program effectiveness and results, reduce costs, and avoid time-consuming and costly mistakes. The report is available at no cost to subscribers of Bersin & Associates' e-Learning Research Center. Non-subscribers can purchase the report for $295 per copy.

Bersin & Associates will conduct a free webinar highlighting results from the study on Thursday, August 19, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time. To register for the event, go to www.bersin.com. For more details on the study, including a table of contents and a list of figures, go to http://store.bersinassociates.com/outs-economics.html.

About Bersin & Associates

Bersin & Associates is the only research and consulting firm solely focused on e-learning with a comprehensive research program targeted to the needs of learning professionals and executives. In 2001, Bersin & Associates introduced the What Works series, primary research that offers learning practitioners factual and practical insight that can improve program effectiveness and results, reduce costs, and avoid time-consuming and costly mistakes. The company specializes in five research areas: blended learning, content development, LMSs and infrastructure, measurement and analytics, and planning and strategy. The company develops industry-leading research studies, assists in corporate implementations, and provides support and services to corporations and e-learning vendors.