Trying something different in training: tip

A university-based digital education developer was asked for help in creating some training by the Australian research branch of a multinational telecommunications innovator. The subject matter was an in-house methodology for use by engineers taking the role of project manager in research projects. The initial purpose was to encourage its uptake, but further exploration revealed wider needs. Some webbased material with a number of interesting aspects was created and delivered. This paper focuses on design strategies, but also looks beyond. It outlines the situation at project commencement, traverses the issues in development and then provides brief comment on extending the typical notion of providing training as a one-off delivery. Of key interest is the manner in which the TIP software attempts to foster an on-going 'conversation'. This is achieved by leveraging the varied roles involved in the focus research project management process, and by harnessing a cooperative corporate research climate.