The learning preferences of Enterprise System consultants: towards the preferred learning pattern

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a combined quantitative–qualitative study that explored the learning patterns of IT consultants involved in the implementation of Enterprise Systems (ES). The study was carried out in a multinational IT consulting company that specialises in Enterprise System consulting and has offices in Germany, the UK, the US, Poland and China. The study revealed the preferred learning pattern of IT consultants, which starts with introductory learning, preferably executed in the form of instruction-based training, followed by the preparation of a prototype to process and sustain the knowledge, and continues with hands-on learning during real-life projects. Learning during projects was identified as the most important knowledge source, as it is the only way actually to gain experience. The experience itself was considered to be the final outcome of the learning process, and it is the main asset of a consulting enterprise.

Keywords:

• Knowledge management
• Consulting
• ERP
• Enterprise systems
• Structured mentoring
• Experience