Functions in Detail SAP ERP Human Capital Management SAP ENTERPRISE LEARNING VERSION 6.00

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1 Functions in Detail SAP ERP Human Capital Management SAP ENTERPRISE LEARNING VERSION 6.00

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3 CONTENT 4 Introduction to SAP Enterprise Learning 5 Product Overview 7 Target Groups 7 Learners 8 Course Authors and Instructional Designers 8 Training Administrators 8 Managers 8 Instructors 9 Learning Portal 9 Structure of the Learning Portal 9 Search for Courses 9 Course Catalog 9 Messages and Notes 10 Training Activities 10 Self-Service Booking and Cancellation 10 Completing Web-Based Courses 11 Learner Account 12 Customer-Specific Functions 12 Other Portal Services 14 Learning Management 14 Content Player 14 Offline Player 15 Training Management 15 General Functions 15 Master Data Management 15 Course Planning and Preparation 19 Reporting with SAP NetWeaver 23 Authoring Environment 23 Authoring Tool 24 Instructional Design Editor 28 Test Author 29 Repository Explorer as an Administration Tool 31 Integration 31 SAP NetWeaver Portal 31 Learning Portal 31 Collaboration 32 Content Management 32 Search and Classification 32 Portal Solutions from Other Providers 33 Integration with Other SAP ERP HCM Components 34 Regulatory Requirements and Compliance Management 35 Other Integration Options 36 System Landscape and General Conditions 36 Learning Portal and Browser 36 SAP NetWeaver Application Server 36 Authoring Environment 36 Learning Management 36 Content Management 37 System Landscape with ALE

4 INTRODUCTION TO SAP ENTERPRISE LEARNING A COMPREHENSIVE, BLENDED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT While reducing costs is an objective for most C-level managers, research shows that what is top-of-mind for many chief learning officers (CLOs) is an important strategy: to ensure that employee learning and development is aligned with organizational values and vision. In a rapidly changing and highly competitive economy, the ability to quickly execute corporate values and vision is essential. A key enabler of this ability is a well-educated and highly skilled workforce. That s because business globalization increasingly demands worldwide access to expert knowledge. With heightened competition driving shorter product life cycles and time to market, the rapid delivery of knowledge is crucial. At the same time, increased mobility and decentralization mean learning opportunities must be available anytime and anywhere. To meet this need, organizations must provide their employees with easy access to ondemand and job-relevant learning. The solution lies in effective use of technology. Businesses must leverage enterprise portals, mobile communication devices, virtual marketplaces, and other collaborative tools to bring diverse information sources to the value chain of employees, suppliers, partners, and customers. To transform these assets into a sustainable competitive advantage, organizations must integrate knowledge transfer and learning with corporate strategy and business objectives. This integration is key and requires a comprehensive software solution for all aspects of talent management. With the SAP Enterprise Learning environment, organizations can structure, deliver, and track knowledge transfer; tailor content to individual learning styles and needs; and plan, measure, and analyze the impact of learning programs. This software enables you to create a common competency framework throughout your organization. Our talent management strategy is to optimize the core processes involved in managing a workforce: attracting and acquiring talent, educating and developing talent, identifying and growing future leaders, and aligning and motivating talent with corporate objectives. In particular, by managing enterprise learning with the SAP Enterprise Learning environment, organizations can structure, deliver, and track knowledge transfer; tailor content to individual learning styles and needs; and plan, measure, and analyze the impact of learning programs. This soft- ware enables you to create a common competency framework throughout your organization. It also integrates with talent management functionalities in the SAP ERP Human Capital Management (SAP ERP HCM) solution and with knowledge management and collaboration functionalities of the SAP NetWeaver technology platform. SAP Enterprise Learning provides a comprehensive, blended learning environment for all your training needs. The software supports traditional classroom training, virtual learning, different forms of e-learning, and collaboration features. It contains: A learning portal, providing the Webbased learner with a personalized learning environment An instructor portal, providing the Web-based instructor with a personalized instructional and tutoring environment Learning management software to control learning processes and manage the course offering A virtual learning tool powered by Adobe Acrobat Connect Professional to conduct distance learning sessions An authoring environment to support the creation of tests and structuring of e-learning content A content management component to manage learning content Synchronous and asynchronous collaboration features Due to its open architecture, the software can integrate external learning content hosted on third-party content portals through SAP NetWeaver, the foundation for enterprise 4 SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning

5 service-oriented architecture (enterprise SOA). Users can access the content through a familiar Web-based learning portal of the SAP Enterprise Learning environment. SAP Enterprise Learning enables organizations to speedily spread information about new products. It lets you provide Web-based training units as well as virtual learning sessions to teach new functions or processes to employees or external persons worldwide, while at the same time allowing them to collaborate on these topics. Personnel on the road can use e-learning to improve their efficiency and know-how. They can access real-time training without being physically present. Or they can download courses locally on their PCs to avoid connection issues. Synchronization of workers learning progress with the learning portal is handled quickly and efficiently. SAP Enterprise Learning breaks down the traditional barriers to training your employees, customers, suppliers, and partners. Product Overview As a blended-learning solution, SAP Enterprise Learning supports delivery methods with the following characteristics: Bound by place and time, such as classroom and instructor-led training, including access to Web-based courseware that can only be taken at the defined place and defined time Bound by time only, such as instructor-led, synchronous virtual learning sessions, where an in structor guides the virtual learner through a session over the Internet Independent of time and location, such as internal (and external) Webbased courseware, online testing, static Web-based training, and external Web-based courses (other learning management systems) that the learner can access anytime, anywhere Pointing to external learning services, such as Web-based courseware, testing services, collaboration services, and other classroom training courses on an externally hosted server. Learners can book and take courses of an external learning service from their personalized learning portal. Bound by time and either bound or not bound by place. This applies, for example, to a curriculum or a course program containing a combination of other, above-mentioned delivery characteristics. SAP Enterprise Learning environment is comprised of the following components: Learning portal Provides a springboard to a learning environment where learners can access course offerings and information on personal learning data and learning activities Instructor portal Provides personalized information that enables instructors to manage course participation, such as reviewing course registrations, adding a name to the course roster, and confirming the list of participants who attended a course Online content player Acts as a virtual trainer that reads the learner s preferred learning strategy in the learner account when a course is launched. The content player puts the course together on the basis of learning objectives already achieved by the learner and presents it to the learner in the browser. The course is presented in a separate browser window. The learner can navigate forward and backward through the proposed learning path at will or can access specific learning units from the table of contents. Offline content player Enables a learner to download Webbased courses and tests from the learning portal and play them locally. Locally stored courses are listed in the course list. The learner can, at any point in time, resynchronize his or her offline learning progress with the learning portal and either continue learning online or set the course to a completed status. Virtual learning tool Facilitates online learning and training across your enterprise, powered by Adobe Acrobat Connect Professional. This enables instructors and students to share knowledge and skills online while reducing costs related to traditional classrooms. Learning management software Controls learning processes and manages and handles the administrative side of training, providing a learning management system Authoring environment Supports the structuring of e-learning content and the creation of online test content and can easily interface content-creation tools to create pages for Web-based course content Content management component Provides a place to store and manage content; effectively, a content management system SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning 5

6 SCORM , AICC 4.0 Web Services Book or cancel Start or launch Exchange learning progress Virtual Learning Authoring Environment Learning Management System SAP Enterprise Learning environment Learner Portal Analytics Content Management Instructor Portal WebDAV Interface Figure 1: Components of SAP Enterprise Learning The learning and instructor portals are seamlessly integrated in the SAP NetWeaver Portal component and can be launched from within SAP NetWeaver Portal to add value through other portal services. Content management functionality in the knowledge management component of SAP NetWeaver enables storage and management of course content in SAP Enterprise Learning environment. Collaboration functionality in SAP NetWeaver is deeply integrated into SAP Enterprise Learning to guarantee seamless access to learning-related collaboration features for learners from the learning portal. For managers who require aggregated, analytical data, 6 SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning

7 The SAP Enterprise Learning environment provides a personalized learning plan and offering for each employee. Courses can be assigned based on role. Skill gaps can be identified with recommended training to close the gaps. These gaps are based on the competencies individuals have as a part of their personal profiles compared with those that are required to perform their jobs. the solution provides optimal support through predefined learning content for the data warehouse in SAP NetWeaver. And you can easily connect to external learning services through the SAP NetWeaver Exchange Infrastructure (SAP NetWeaver XI) component. The procedure is simple: Learners first log onto SAP NetWeaver Portal via a Web browser to access their organization s learning portal, which contains details of the corporate training and education offering, as well as collaboration, presented in a clear, personalized manner. From here, the learner can register for courses, start Web-based or virtual learning courses, or start to collaborate right away. If organizationspecific regulations dictate, an approval process is triggered and the registration or cancellation request is routed to the employee s supervisor for approval or rejection. The administrative processes involved in planning and processing courses, curricula, and course programs, as well as cost settlement, are handled by a training management component in the back-end system. This is integrated with other components to enable billing and internal activity allocation. The training management component is part of SAP Enterprise Learning. If your organization already uses training and event management software in SAP ERP HCM, you can continue to use all its functions with SAP Enterprise Learning. Data stored for classroom training courses will be transferred to SAP Enterprise Learning so you get a smooth transition of your traditional classroom courses into the environment. What s more, the new software contains a wide range of additional functions for managing e-learning and virtual learning courses, curricula, and course programs. SAP Enterprise Learning is part of the talent management suite in SAP ERP HCM. The qualifications catalog, for example, which contains qualifications, competencies, skills, and certifications, can be used to its full extent. Qualifications can be defined and checked as prerequisites for courses. On successful completion of a course or test, the corresponding qualification(s) can be updated to the employee s profile. Expiration dates of qualifications or certifications are displayed within the learning portal for a defined period. Course options to renew the qualification or certification are shown as well. Other general functions such as business workflow and reporting can be used. Courses that are part of the individual development plan of a learner are automatically displayed as a personalized learning proposal in the learning portal. To accompany the entire learning process, SAP Enterprise Learning provides a wide range of reporting options that can be used by learners, training administrators, instructors, and managers. Target Groups SAP Enterprise Learning is aimed at learners, course authors and instructional designers, training administrators, managers, and instructors. Learners Learners log on via a Web browser to their personalized learning portal from their PC at work or at home. The learning portal contains details of the complete corporate education and training offering, consisting of traditional classroom training, curricula and course SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning 7

8 programs, or e-learning courses (such as virtual learning sessions or Web-based training or even externally hosted courses). Personalized learning pro posals are automatically generated based on various criteria such as the current position or person, the organizational unit, current or future qualification gaps, or individual development plans. Self-service applications enable learners to enroll themselves in courses, prebook for classroom courses and cancel bookings for all delivery methods, or start self-paced learning units directly. If learners want to learn offline, they can download the courses onto their PCs or laptops and synchronize their learning progress when they are online again. Course Authors and Instructional Designers Course authors and instructional designers can use tools and wizards in the authoring environment to structure or import external course content as well as create online tests with the test author tool. External authoring tools can be launched directly via the authoring environment to create learning content that can be integrated into learning objects and combined to create complete courses (learning nets). Attributes can be appended to content, which means that users can structure content more flexibly, depending on the learning strategy they prefer. In order to reuse content as much as possible, the authoring environment enables content authors and instructional designers to attribute metadata to the content. This enhances search results and enables authors to reuse and repurpose data. Training Administrators Training administrators can easily access course content, which is stored and managed in the content management component of SAP NetWeaver Portal, the content storage location for SAP Enterprise Learning environment. The Web-based distributed authoring and versioning (WebDAV) interface also allows integration of other WebDAV-enabled storage facilities. Content authors publish content in the back-end, training management software. Links to this content automatically assist the training administrator in retrieving suitable course content when planning Web-based courses. New versions of course content published by the author can be made available to learners automatically and with no additional effort required from the training administrator. Training administrators can also create course offerings; manage participation, resources, and courses; and perform reporting in SAP Enterprise Learning. When planning e-learning courses, training administrators use references inserted in published courses to retrieve the appropriate content in the content management component for the courses being planned. Managers Supervisors or managers can monitor and guide the learning processes of their employees. They can be notified when their employees request participation in or cancellation of courses and can approve or reject these requests. Reporting functions in training management software enable managers to keep track of employees learning activities and the associated costs at all times. SAP Enterprise Learning provides the training manager with extensive support for the planning, organization, and controlling of corporate education and training. Instructors Instructors and tutors can get up-tothe-minute, reliable information such as schedules, locations, resources, and participants for the courses they teach through the instructor portal. They can prepare for virtual learning sessions by logging in well in advance of the actual session time and setting up necessary course content. At any time before, during, or after the course, instructors can manage participation of their courses such as booking, canceling, and rebooking participants to courses. Once the course is over, instructors can also follow up a course by confirming participants attendance, evaluating their pass-or-fail status, as well as transferring qualifications and their proficiencies to the records of individual participants. 8 SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning

9 LEARNING PORTAL A PERSONALIZED POINT OF ACCESS The learning portal is the employee s personalized point of access to all of the learning-related functions. The learning portal is seamlessly integrated into SAP NetWeaver Portal, where the learner is provided with access to a wide range of functions through a single source. Customers can benefit from the deep integration of the learning portal into SAP NetWeaver Portal but can also run the learning portal stand-alone or integrated into another company portal. Both the design of the learning portal and the content offered there can be flexibly adapted to meet companyspecific requirements. All of the data from SAP ERP HCM that is relevant for the corporate education and training processes is integrated in real time in the learning portal, where it is easily accessible to the learner. Structure of the Learning Portal SAP Enterprise Learning provides a variety of portal design options enabling you to create the learning portal that best suits the needs of your employees and your organization. The learning portal gives users access to a host of functions. Users can search for courses; access a course catalog, messages and notes, detailed information in the My Training Activities area, and self-service features; complete a Web-based course; and keep track of course details in a learner s account. In this portal, you can also access your own customer-specific functions, enable your managers and instructors to book training and courses, and more. Search for Courses In the navigation area on the left-hand side of the screen, the learner can use the find function to search for courses in the company-specific course catalog in course titles and course descriptions. The hit list of courses displays the available delivery methods offered for various courses. The learner can view detailed information on a course and register for it if desired. The extended search function offers the option of defining further search criteria. For instance, the learner can search on other attributes appended to courses, such as attainable or prerequisite qualifications, target groups, or delivery methods. Course Catalog The course catalog features the general course offering of the organization. It reflects the principle of blended learning, that is the offering of courses that combine multiple delivery methods, such as in-person and Web-based Figure 2: Example of a Learning Portal training, as well as extensive training programs. Training programs are curricula that can include a variety of courses with multiple delivery methods. Virtual learning sessions and external learning management system courses or other externally hosted learning services can also be easily integrated through the enterprise services in SAP Enterprise Learning. The learner can use the search functions to find courses or, alternatively, browse the course catalog to see the types of courses that are offered. The catalog view can be restricted for certain learner groups by means of authorization assignments. Messages and Notes The Messages and Notes area lists prescribed courses to inform learners of their personalized learning offering. Courses may be prescribed for a learner on the basis of his or her role in the organization or according to the recommendations of the supervisor. Learners SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning 9

10 are also informed about qualifications that are essential for the positions they currently hold, which may require renewal or updating. For example, learners can be notified in a configurable preview period about soonexpiring qualifications or certifications and can locate the relevant courses to renew the qualification or certification with a single mouse click. The learner account area provides learners with an overview of their qualifications profiles and how they compare with the requirements of their current positions. If a learner is interested in a specific classroom course for which there are no suitable dates scheduled, the learner can prebook the course. When new dates are published, the learner is notified accordingly. In addition, the training administrator can use prebooking data to plan new course dates. Training Activities In the Training Activities area, learners can see at-a-glance details of their current and future courses for all delivery methods. More detailed information on the courses can be displayed if required. Web-based courses, static links, external Web-based courses, virtual learning courses, as well as course-related collaboration can be accessed directly from this point. The learner also has the option of canceling course bookings from this area. Self-Service Booking and Cancellation Self-service applications let learners view detailed information and book courses directly. Once the learner has found a course of interest, he or she can display a variety of detailed information about it. For example, the learner can view a de scription of the course and its content, details of the delivery method, the target group, qualifications imparted or required for the course, other course recommendations, notes, course fees, and the course language. In the case of classroom training, details are also available on the course location and time schedule. Web links may be integrated, providing further information on the location or content of the course. The learner can also view scheduled dates, place availability, learning progress, and duration and can register for a course online. Duration details can include the average, minimum, and maximum completion time for a course. Where relevant, information on the license period of a course indicates to the learner how long a course is available for completion. Learning progress includes details of the learner s completion time to date, the progress made, the percent of learning objectives achieved so far, the number of learning objects completed, the learner s overall target performance, and the learning status. Once the learner has viewed the required information on courses of interest, he or she can branch directly to the booking dialogue. A confirmation prompt is displayed before the booking is made. On confirmation, the learner is immediately booked for classroom training or can launch a Web-based course. Predefined workflow approval processes can route an enrollment request to a supervisor before the actual booking is made, if desired. If learners need to cancel their training bookings for any reason, they can do so by accessing the course from the overview screen. Information on the cancellation fee is displayed here. Again, predefined workflowcancellation approval processes can route a cancellation request to a supervisor before the actual cancellation is made, if desired. Customers can easily configure the workflows to meet their needs. For example, prior to the course start date, the training administrator can select a deadline for approval or rejection of course participation or for booking or cancellation requests. Completing Web-Based Courses The learner can launch a Web-based course as soon as it has been booked. The learner can also resume the course at any time from the current courses overview. The first time a course is accessed, a personalized learning path for the course is set up in the background. The learning path is based on the learning strategy selected by the learner and on learning objectives attained in other courses. A learning strategy can be, for example, action-oriented from general to specific or explanation-oriented from specific to general. Courses are structured into personalized learning paths that are specific to each individual learner. Content units that are already 10 SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning

11 familiar to the learner, for example, through courses previously taken, are omitted. The technical side of this process is handled by content player software, which acts as a virtual trainer that reads the preferred learning strategy in the learner s account when a course is launched. The content player puts the course together on the basis of learning objectives already achieved by the learner and presents it to the learner in the browser. The course is presented in a separate browser window. The learner can navigate forward and backward through the proposed learning path at will or can access specific learning units from the table of contents. If the learner interrupts a Web-based course, the content player saves information about the learning progress to date in the learner s account. Information about learning progress is accessible to the learner at any time. When the learner resumes an interrupted course, the content player opens the course at exactly the point at which it was interrupted. When the learner has finished working on a course, he or she can set its status to completed. The course qualifications are automatically transferred to the learner s profile upon successful completion. In the learning management software, customers can set up rules specifying when a learner can set a Web-based course to the completed status. For example, the learner may have to complete a certain number of learning objects or achieve a certain percent of learning objectives before the course can be considered completed. Learners can take tests during or independent of a course, as desired by the author. They can take self-assessment tests to check their current level of knowledge. The results of selfassessment tests are not stored. The results of stand-alone, placement, or final tests taken to check learning progress can be stored in the learner account and can be used for reporting purposes. Placement test results can influence the scope of the course material presented after the test. Every course is created and structured one time only in the authoring environment. Authors can enable a variety of learning strategies by appending links and attributes to a course. Authors can also create tests by using the integrated test editor in the authoring environment. Tests can be embedded in the course or made available as standalone elements. Learner Account The learner account helps learners keep track of their learning activities and provides additional decision support for course selection. It contains an overview of courses that are planned, completed, or in process. Learners can view their current qualifications, run a profile matchup between these and the requirements of their current position, display courses that they have bookmarked as interesting, and select their personal learning strategy. Under Training Activities, the learner can display courses that are planned, completed, and in process as well as view other pending activities, such as tests to be taken. Unlike the Training Activities section, the learner account displays all of the learner s training activities, including completed courses. In addition, the learning management software provides information about the learner s overall course progress. This information is adapted dynamically as the learner progresses through a course. Information on courses planned for the future is also displayed. This includes courses booked in a self-service application and courses that were part of an approval workflow process. The learner can view approval status at any time. When learners are interested in taking courses that are not yet scheduled in a suitable language or location, they can create course prebookings on the detail screen of the course. Prebooking data is stored in training management software and is available to the training administrator, who can use it to schedule new courses as required. As soon as a course is scheduled in the language, location, and time period that meets the learner s requirements, the learner receives notification of this in the Messages and Notes section. The learner can cancel prebookings if required. In the Favorites section, the learner can bookmark subject areas, courses, course dates, and qualifications for easy access later. The learner can quickly add interesting subject areas to the notebook section on the detail screen of a course. SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning 11

12 In the qualifications profile, learners can access an overview of qualifications already attained, including details of their proficiencies. Qualifications are displayed graphically. A bar chart display makes it easy to see which qualifications need to be updated or improved and which are at the required proficiency level. Further information on qualifications and proficiencies can be displayed in overview mode. Where relevant, the solution proposes courses that can close the learner s skills gap. A learner can run a profile matchup that compares his or her qualifications with the requirements of the position currently held. By doing so, the learner can see which qualifications need to be improved, recertified, or acquired in order to fulfill the requirements of his or her current position. Qualification deficits are flagged additionally by an icon indicating to the learner whether mandatory qualifications need to be updated or attained. Expiration dates for qualifications that will expire soon, such as licenses, are displayed to enable the learner to renew them in time. The current course offering that can impart or refresh the qualification is also displayed. In Settings, learners can store various settings such as their preferred learning strategy, catalog view settings, or search options. The learning strategy can also be set per course and overrides the default setting made in the learner account. The learning strategy concept, which is based on personal learning patterns or style, recognizes that people learn in different ways. The learning strategies were derived from the results of the research project on lifelong learning (L 3 ) sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and have been integrated in SAP Enterprise Learning. SAP, represented by its corporate research center, was the leading partner in the consortium involved in the L 3 project. A learning strategy is made up of a combination of a learning macrostrategy and a learning microstrategy. The macrostrategy describes how the learner prefers to navigate through learning objects: for example, going from the general to the specific (deductively) or from the specific to the general (inductively). The microstrategy describes the learner s preferred learning style within a learning object. The preferred style can be example oriented, task oriented, or explanation oriented. Learners can change their preferred learning strategy in the learner account at any time. When the learner starts a self-paced course, the learning strategy specified determines how the learning material is structured and in what sequence it is presented. The individual learning units are presented in accordance with the preferred learning strategy. Authors can restrict the number of valid strategies per course to ensure that only supported learning strategies can be chosen. The Course Catalog settings provide for two display options available on tab pages. A learner can opt to view the catalog in a top-level list format or in a hierarchy display format. Finally, a learner can restrict the search options hit list by predefining a preferred language, location, or preview period. Customer-Specific Functions Customer-specific functions give you direct access to a special selection of courses on the home page of SAP Enterprise Learning. The standard delivery includes a sample implementation of a top-ten course list that is, the ten most popular courses. This list is displayed on the left side of the learning portal, in addition to the course catalog. Customers can tailor presentation of their corporate course offering individually as required. This customer enhance ment is not affected by an upgrade. Other Portal Services SAP NetWeaver Portal is the single point of entry for learners and instructors. A large number of role-based functions can be integrated here and presented to the user in a clear, intuitive structure. Functions used by line managers in their daily work can be integrated by means of the SAP Manager Self-Service application. For example, managers can review the current and recommended training activities for their employees and book them into courses accordingly. You can provide access to these functions to everyone involved in the business training process by integrating other software with SAP NetWeaver Portal. For example, you can integrate collaboration room functionality. Collaboration 12 SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning

13 brings learners (portal users and groups of portal users) and applications together to enable wide-ranging communication on the Web. Collaboration software in the learning portal of SAP Enterprise Learning enables you to set up virtual learner communities where portal users can speedily and efficiently exchange information with one another. The software gives you a flexibly structured, virtual working environment that is suitable for all sorts of tasks. It enables chats, discussion groups, document and application sharing, quick polls, instant messaging, and a variety of other activities. You can define a broad range of synchronous and asynchronous collaboration features. Integration of Web conferencing solutions is also possible. Collaboration room functionality is deeply integrated into the processes of SAP Enterprise Learning. For example, when creating a course, training administrators can assign existing collaboration rooms or create new ones. Participants can enroll automatically in the room when enrolling for the course. There may be one or more collaboration room(s) available for each course. For example, a course can be linked with a collaboration room to enable all course participants to be part of a virtual learning group. Learners access to collaboration functionality depends on their roles. When a person registers for a course to which a collaboration room is assigned, he or she can display the course and the rooms assigned to it in the learning portal under Training Activities. To communicate with others who are taking the course, learners can enter a room simply by clicking on it. They can also display the collaboration rooms assigned to a course under Collaboration. Other content-specific functions can be integrated into SAP NetWeaver Portal. SAP Enterprise Learning uses a content management component in SAP NetWeaver Portal to store and manage learning content. In the context of knowledge management, there are tools available that let you publish, locate, and distribute information, thereby improving cooperation within the organization. The knowledge management functionality of SAP NetWeaver provides a uniform interface to content stored in a variety of repositories. There are a broad range of functions available for employees, whether they are learners or course authors. For example, they can discuss content stored in the content management component with other users, provide feedback to the author, submit a comment that is visible to all users, or evaluate a document by assigning it a rating. Learners and course authors can subscribe to content or folders to keep abreast of changes made to them. They are then notified of all changes and new versions. Document retrieval is facilitated for users, thanks to intuitive categories and structures as well as powerful search engines. Figure 3: Example of a Collaboration Room SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning 13

14 LEARNING MANAGEMENT ENABLING TARGETED KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER The learning portal is the environment presented in the learner s virtual workspace for information, communication, and learning, while learning management software controls learning processes. Based on information it has about the learner, the software proposes learning units, monitors the learner s progress, and coordinates the learner s personal learning process. In addition, learning management software manages and handles administrative processes. Targeted knowledge transfer requires precise matching of the learning objectives and qualifications of a learning unit with the learner s level of knowledge. The software ensures targeted knowledge transfer at the start of a course by comparing the learning objectives already attained by the learner with the learning objectives of the course. On this basis, it determines the learner s current level and the required content and scope of the course. The resulting course is presented to the learner and played on the content player. Content Player The content player is a virtual teacher that tailors learning content to the needs of the individual learner and helps the learner navigate through the course. The content player presents the e-learning course to the learner. When an employee launches a course, a comparison is made between the learning objectives imparted by the course and the learner s qualifications or learning objectives already attained. In this way, customers can tailor the scope of the course to the individual needs of the learner. Navigation for the individual course is set up at runtime on the basis of the learning strategy stored in the learner account or set for this particular course. Using the didactical strategies, the content player ensures that the course is dynamically adapted to the individual learning situation and the preferences expressed by the learner. The content player calculates dynamically adjusted learning paths and presents these to the learner graphically, if required to facilitate orientation within a complex subject area. The learner can resume working on an interrupted course at any time. The content player guides the learner to the spot at which it was interrupted. Offline Player The offline player of SAP Enterprise Learning enables learners to download Web-based courses and tests from the learning portal and play them locally. Locally stored courses are listed in the course list. An icon indicates the status of each course. The offline player guides the learner through the course according to the preferred learning strategy. It dynamically adjusts the number and sequence of learning objects to the learner s individual learning pattern. If the learner interrupts a course, the offline player reenters the course at the point of interruption the next time. Learn anytime and anywhere. With the offline player, workers can take courses offline at home, on the plane, in a hotel, and so on and resynchronize their training progress when they are back online with a few clicks of a button. The learner can, at any point in time, resynchronize his or her offline learning progress with the learning portal and either continue learning online or set the course to a completed status. The offline course still remains locked on the PC until the learner either decides to delete the course or indicates through the learning portal that the course will be played offline again. 14 SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning

15 Training Management General Functions Training management software constitutes the administrative side of SAP Enterprise Learning. This includes functions for course planning and execution; booking and cancellation of course participation; and follow-up processing, including cost settlement. Using this software, the training administrator creates the course offering and can, for example, define training measures for individual learners and groups of learners. The training administrator uses the software to create the course catalog in training management and make it available (partially or completely) to learners in the learning portal for reference and enrollment purposes. The training administrator can manage internal and external participants and enroll them for courses to be delivered by any method. The learning portal has additional self-service applications available to enable employees to search for courses, enroll themselves, cancel their bookings, and launch courses. Training management software leverages the benefits of modern graphical user interfaces. The authorization management and structural authorization options of SAP ERP HCM offer the highest degree of data security possible. User-definable authorization profiles let customers map and safeguard their organization-specific authorization concepts as required. Learners can access only data that is relevant for them. Training management software supports all of the business processes involved in the organization, management, and handling of training. It can be configured to meet the requirements, work processes, and delivery methods common in the organization. Training measures can be flexibly structured. They can include briefings, seminars, workshops, virtual learning sessions, internal or external Web-based training, static Web courses, and curricula. Training management software can even support the combining of Webbased and classroom training in support situations where learners need to take a Web-based course at a defined time and place. Master Data Management Master data management software stores the large volume of information relevant to the planning, management, and follow-up of courses. This includes information on: Course details, such as catalog information, dates, prices, capacity, schedules, assignment of course content, and completion times Personnel resources, such as trainers who are qualified to deliver courses Room details, such as addresses, capacity, and equipment Participant data on both internal and external participants Seamless, real-time integration of SAP Enterprise Learning with the personnel administration and organizational management components in SAP ERP HCM guarantees consistent, reliable data that is free of redundancies. Dynamic Menus The intuitive dynamic menus in training management software make data entry quick and easy for the training administrator. Each dynamic menu represents a subprocess of training management: In the participation menu, the training administrator can make all of the same participation bookings that learners can make in the learning portal. All bookings can be seen in the participation menu. The training administrator has advanced functionality available, for example, to replace or rebook participants. In the planning menu, the training administrator can plan and schedule courses on the basis of demand. In the course menu, the training administrator can manage course dates and resources. In the information menu, the training administrator can request reports for courses, resources, and participants. Data created in one menu is immediately available in all other menus. Course Planning and Preparation Training management software has all of the functions you need to efficiently create a corporate course offering. The flexible software lets you categorize courses in groups by subject area and structure the course catalog with ease. When the training administrator creates a new subject area, represented by a course group, he or she can decide whether it should be accessible to learners in the learning portal. SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning 15

16 Course groups have assigned course types that are differentiated by their delivery method that is, whether a course is delivered as classroom training, Web-based training, or another type of delivery. In addition, course types are appended with descriptive information concerning content, objectives, target group, imparted and prerequisite qualifications, prerequisite course types, and course fees. Web-based courses are additionally appended with information about completion times. Completion specifications include the recommended minimum, optimum, and maximum learning time and a fixed or relative availability specification that is, the number of days the course is available after the booking date and the number of times a learner can access the course. You can specify the percent of learning objectives that a learner must achieve or the percent of learning objects that a learner must finish in order to complete a course. You can store a schedule for classroom courses in which you specify class times, breaks, and so on. The training administrator assigns content to Web-based courses. Content can be selected from the list of content published by course authors. Course authors and instructional designers check content into the content management component, release it, and publish it. When content is published, a reference to it is entered in the publisher database, making the content accessible to the training administrator. You can also manage outdated content as follows: authors can mark content as obsolete, making the course content invisible to the training administrator when new Web-based courses are set up. Learners currently booked for courses using obsolete content can finish learning uninterrupted. When the content is no longer used by any learner, you can physically delete it if desired. You can integrate external Web-based courses from other learning management system providers using Web services in SAP Enterprise Learning and the support of SAP NetWeaver and enterprise SOA. This means that courses or virtual learning sessions reside on the server of the external provider but can be accessed by the learner seamlessly from within the familiar learning portal of SAP Enterprise Learning. The training administrator can make available and report on external Web-based courses. A learner can book, start, or cancel a course that is hosted by another learning management system provider. Learning progress achieved on the external system can be transferred back to SAP Enterprise Learning. Training providers with resource management facilities can store information about what resources (training materials, instructors, or rooms) are required to hold classroom training or other synchronous courses, such as virtual learning sessions. The minimum, optimum, and maximum number of participants can be specified. In this way, the course type serves as a general blueprint that can be used to create specific courses for which the learner and training administrator can make bookings. Web-based courses are dateindependent. For every version of Web-based training (WBT) content, an e-training object is created automatically. This enables detailed tracking of which learners have completed which version of the content. Training measures with multiple delivery methods can be defined for specific learners or groups of learners. For this purpose, course types are related with jobs, positions, organizational units, or persons and appear automatically in the personalized learning offering of these learners. Curriculum It is sometimes necessary to offer employees a set of courses in a series over a fixed schedule or period of time. Training management software offers the curriculum function for this purpose. The curriculum function embraces the blended-learning concept. A curriculum type is assigned to a course group. Similar to the course type, the curriculum type is appended with general descriptive information concerning content, objectives, and prerequisites for curricula of this type. The curriculum type contains information regarding the course types and delivery methods it includes. Webbased and instructor-led courses can be assigned a specific position within a curriculum, specifying the sequence in which they have to be completed in the program. And courses can be placed in a sequence that associates each one with the appropriate position level. The release period in which the Web-based course is available to the learner can be adjusted to a specific time frame within 16 SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning

17 the curriculum. Of course, Web-based courses can also be set up so they can be taken at any step of the curriculum. The curriculum designer can define alternative course types for individual curriculum elements. The training administrator can then select from the alternatives when putting the actual curriculum together. When a curriculum type is created, consistency checks are automatically carried out on the sequence of the course types specified and the prerequisites. In the event of inconsistencies, warnings and error messages are displayed. Curriculum types serve as templates for the specific curricula. Course Program In addition to structuring your courses by curricula, you can also group related course offerings via a course program. Course programs enable the the bundling and structuring of a group of related courses. A course program does not contain a set schedule, rather, its schedule is determined by learners and the course dates they book. This allows learners to go through courses in their own, self-paced manner. For example, an organization might roll out a continuous learning initiative in which learners are to go through a set of courses. Learners can choose courses according to the times that are most convenient for them, instead of being limited to taking these courses according to a specified schedule. Course program functionality also gives a well-defined structure to a bundled training offering. Courses within a course program can be organized in the form of logical subunits called blocks. A structured course program with different blocks can resemble a learning map, with different blocks representing levels such as, basic, intermediate, advanced, and so on. Specific blocks in the course program can be set as mandatory or optional for learning. Alternative courses can also be made available for learners to obtain the necessary qualification(s). Additionally individual courses can impart qualification as well as completion of the overall course program once the mandatory blocks and courses are completed. Determining Course Demand The number of course dates required to meet training needs can be automatically scheduled per location, language, and quarter. This number can be changed at any time if demand changes. Planning Course Dates Dates can be scheduled for face-toface training and synchronous classroom sessions either manually in the course menu or automatically in the planning menu on the basis of determined training needs and defined rules. Courses can be scheduled to take place at fixed intervals or evenly spaced throughout a planning period. Training management software proposes suitable dates, taking into account the time constraints defined (factory calendar, public holidays, weekdays, fixed start date, and so on). If planning includes resource selection, the software automatically proposes possible resources, such as trainers or rooms, subject to availability. If necessary, planning data that is accepted in this process can be changed later for the individual courses. Entering Course Costs When courses and course types are created, the associated cost data is entered and evaluated. Cost data can include the instructor s fee, course materials, advertising costs, room rental, and equipment rental. Cost items can be recorded once centrally and then used multiple times for individual training measures. Cost items that are stored for individual courses or course types are then available to provide calculations for price proposals. Marketing With training management software, there are multiple ways to make a course offering accessible to a wide audience. A course brochure can be created at any time. The brochure can SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning 17

18 contain the entire course offering or a part of it, depending on what courses you want to publicize. The brochure can be downloaded as a file for further editing. In addition, the course offering is made available online to the learners in the learning portal. Managing Courses and Settling Costs Training management software supports organizations in the day-to-day activities associated with course bookings. Booking activities can be performed by the training administrator in training management software or by individuals or groups in learning management software. The training administrator can carry out the following activities in the dynamic participation menu: Prebook If participants are interested in taking certain classroom courses or virtual learning sessions, but there are no suitable dates scheduled, you can prebook participants for those course types. Prebooking data can be used in demand planning. Book Learners can enroll themselves as individuals or as participants in a group (for example, an organizational unit). Rebook Participants can book a course on an earlier or later date than that originally booked. Replace Participants can be swapped, or group bookings can be replaced with individual bookings. Cancel Course bookings can be canceled if the participant(s) cannot attend. Many of these functions are also available to learners on a decentralized basis as self-service applications in the learning portal. Learners can do the following: Book Learners can enroll for courses with any delivery method in the learning portal. Cancel Learners can cancel their own bookings, if required. Prebook Learners interested in taking classroom courses or virtual learning sessions for which no suitable dates are scheduled can make prebookings for the course type, specifying a time period if required. As soon as a suitable date is scheduled for the course in the course catalog, the learner is notified in the learning portal. The learner can then make a booking for the course. Correspondence Training management software provides a powerful framework to notify learners, managers, instructors, training providers, and other involved parties about the activities and status of a training or booking. Templates are available for all of the booking-related correspondence associated with all types of training that is sent to the various recipients. The standard templates, based on Adobe forms, can be modified to suit company-specific requirements or used as is. These methods can be used for notification output in training management: print, , fax, and short message service (SMS). Notifications can be sent automatically when different actions such as booking or canceling are carried out or can be collected in a work list for later review, change, and single or mass processing. Settings can be made generally in customizing or on a course-type level. Every training administrator can specify his or her own settings for the work list and thus gain full control over the process. Billing and Internal Activity Allocation Customers can settle the costs of training measures in training management software using either billing- or internal-activity-allocation functions. Courses may be in fee-paying or freeof-charge categories. Costs incurred for external bookings for individual courses can be settled via the billing interface. Costs incurred for internal bookings for individual courses can be settled via the internal activity allocation interface. Costs incurred for internal bookings made by the learner for courses with various delivery methods can be charged to the relevant cost centers via the internal activity allocation interface. The training administrator receives reports that can be posted to cost accounting or sales and distribution areas. Transfer Posting Training Costs The same concept is used to transfer costs incurred for individual courses. The training administrator receives a detailed list of the costs incurred. Having checked the list, the training 18 SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning

19 administrator triggers the activity allocation process, and cost centers are credited or debited automatically as required. Transferring Qualifications When a course has been completed, follow-up processing that includes these steps takes place: confirm participation, evaluate participation (set passed or failed), and transfer the qualification given by the course to the participant s master data record. Participation confirmation can be carried out by the learner in the learning portal or by a training administrator. All subsequent steps can be carried out manually by the training administrator or automatically, based on given rules in the software. For example, transfer qualification can be triggered by the training administrator for any number of participants of a given classroom course or can be triggered automatically after a participant has confirmed his or her attendance and is considered to have passed in the software. When a Web-based course is completed, the learner simply sets the course to a completed status in the learning portal. The qualifications profile is automatically updated if a learner has achieved the minimum number of learning objectives prescribed for the course or completed the required number of learning objects and, therefore, considered by the content player to have passed the course. You can set up the process flow for a course-type at a given level to support a high degree of automation if desired. Reporting in Training Management Training management software offers a comprehensive range of reporting options to enable managers, training administrators, and trainers to keep track of all training-related activities at all times. The reports available are classified into three areas: participation, courses, and resources. Customers can restrict access to reports using the authorization concept. Reports can be triggered manually. The reporting functions can also be accessed in one of the dynamic menus. The training administrator simply selects the area in the course catalog for which the report should run and starts the report. For example, the reports for course demand and participation and sales statistics provide important information for course planning. These reports can be used to identify target groups for a training cycle and other purposes. The report for bookings of a group participant can provide an overview of the training measures and costs in the various organizational units in an organi zation. The participant list report outputs a detailed list of the participants of a given course. It contains details such as participants names, booking dates, and start and end times of timedependent courses. For Web-based courses it contains the required completion time in minutes, the number of learning objectives achieved, and the number of learning objects accessed. The resource reservation statistics report provides information on the availability of resources at a glance. This can help you identify and avoid conflicting resource reservations in the planning phase. You also get standard reports for course results overviews and participant results overviews. Both of these allow instructors or training administrators to keep track of test scores achieved by multiple participants on a course or track the test result history of a particular learner. In addition, the test item statistics report provides statistical information on a particular test and the effectiveness of questions answered by the participants. Reporting with SAP NetWeaver SAP ERP HCM delivers predefined HR business content through functionality for enterprise data warehousing in SAP NetWeaver. SAP NetWeaver provides a foundation for workforce analytics that gives your executives, HR professionals, and line managers reporting and analysis options for real-time insight into your workforce. This can help you identify trends at an early stage and make well-informed decisions, enabling you to manage human capital more effectively, predict humancapital investment demands, and track workforce costs and the ROI associated with HR projects. The content includes more than 200 predefined HCM reports and 90 key performance indicators (KPIs). SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning 19

20 Ensure your learning objectives are aligned to your corporate objectives and measure the training impact. With standard reports, ad hoc functions, and robust analytics delivered in the software, you can ensure your objectives are aligned to your organization. Measure to see if a particular safety program helped reduce the incident rate or if a new sales curriculum helped increase sales revenue. SAP Enterprise Learning delivers two information cubes, which are collections of objects and KPIs for reporting: One is for training management and the other is for resource management. A learning cockpit that can easily be set up by the customer can provide management with 28 key figures such as course costs, total bookings, revenues, number of attendances or cancellations, resource costs, and much more. Instructor Portal The instructor portal is a personalized point of access to all of the instructor and tutor-related functions. The instructor portal is seamlessly integrated into SAP NetWeaver Portal, where an instructor is provided with access to a wide range of functions through a single source. Both the design of the instructor portal and the content offered there can be flexibly adapted to meet company-specific requirements. Figure 4: Example of a Learning Cockpit In addition, predefined or customized Web cockpits combine several reports and help you analyze your most important HR key figures in a meaningful context. Integrated benchmarking services help you build customer and shareholder value. These analytic tools let you establish and monitor critical success factors by tracking specific KPIs. 20 SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning

21 Figure 5: Example of an Instructor s Portal The instructor portal offers instructors and tutors a quick overview of courses they are responsible for and enables them to execute specific activities related to these courses. Instructors can: Browse through the course catalog Manage course participation Follow up courses Manage Virtual Learning Rooms Instructor s Work Center The home page of the instructor portal displays a personalized work list of courses and schedules that the instructor or tutor is responsible for. Instructors can get a quick overview of the courses they are managing such as the schedule and location, equipment and resources needed, view of enrolled participants, and any other additional information related to the course. Additionally, instructors and tutors can enter and launch virtual learning rooms or collaboration rooms that are associated with particular courses. Instructors can also run standard queries or define their own queries, allowing them to look at different lists of courses. For example, instructors can view upcoming courses in the next month that they are responsible for or view completed courses in order to initiate the follow-up process. Browse Course Catalog Instructors can browse through the course catalog or the entire course offering of the organization. They can search for courses and view individual course details. Manage Course Participation Instructors can book, cancel, or rebook participants to courses they manage. Follow Up Process for Courses Instructors can also follow up courses which they have conducted. The followup process can include: Confirming participants attendance Evaluating participants pass or fail status in the course Transferring qualifications and proficiencies imparted by the course to participants Specific settings can be defined in SAP Enterprise Learning to govern what specific follow-up activities instructors can perform. For example, some instructors may only be allowed to confirm attendance. Such settings can be made for all courses in general or for individual courses as needed. Take advantage of interactive online learning methods, improving the productivity and quality of training while reducing costs related to traditional classroom study, by using the virtual learning tool powered by Adobe Acrobat Connect Professional. Use virtual learning to get products to market faster, allow subject matter experts to interact with dispersed audiences, and collaborate and learn with geographical teams more often. Manage Virtual Learning Rooms Instructors can create their own virtual learning rooms through the instructor portal. Rooms can be created based on specific templates defined in Adobe Acrobat Connect Professional. Instructors can log into a virtual learning room without any additional authentication and prepare it for delivery of specific SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning 21

22 courses by collating and uploading study and presentation materials used during the training. When an instructor is assigned to a virtual learning room course, a default room is automatically created by the software. The instructor can then prepare it for the upcoming course. Virtual learning rooms are persistent and instructors can reuse the same room for different courses, however, the same room cannot be used for two courses happening in overlapping periods. Instructors can also delete virtual learning rooms that they no longer use. Virtual Learning Room SAP Enterprise Learning environment has an integrated virtual learning room powered by Adobe Acrobat Connect Professional. From the learning portal, users can register, access, and participate in or cancel registration for courses conducted in a virtual learning room. From the familiar training administrator interface, training administrators can create courses, register learners, and assign instructors to a course conducted in a virtual learning room. Instructors can access and manage a virtual learning room as well as create, delete, rename, and reassign a virtual learning room from the instructor portal. Some features of a virtual learning room include: A camera and voice pod to share live video and audio A share pod to share rich media content including video, interactive applications and presentations A file share pod to share files with students A chat and question-and-answer (Q&A) pod to chat and conduct managed Q&A sessions A notes pod to type or share notes during a class Multiple layouts to enable different styles of instruction Figure 6: Adobe Acrobat Connect Professional Virtual Learning Room 22 SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning

23 AUTHORING ENVIRONMENT CONTENT DESIGN, TEST DEVELOPMENT, AND CONTENT MANAGEMENT The authoring environment is an integral part of SAP Enterprise Learning. It has powerful tools for creating, structuring, and publishing course content and tests that facilitate and optimize the work of instructional designers, subject matter experts, and training administrators. The authoring environment contains the following: Instructional design editor, which is used by instructional designers and subject matter experts to create and structure learning content (learning nets and learning objects) Test author, which is used by instructional designers and subject matter experts to create Web-based tests Repository explorer, which is used by training administrators and instructional designers to manage content Customizable and flexible views allow subject matter experts and instructional designers to configure and personalize the authoring environment. To create the HTML pages for the content, you can easily and seamlessly integrate editors from external providers into SAP Enterprise Learning and launch the editors directly from the authoring environment. Wizards for the following make using the authoring environment much easier: Create course structure Create learning net Create learning object Create online test Create element Process messages Import learning net or object Import as reusable media object Create learning object template Create element template Create association Authoring Tool From the authoring tool, you can access the content management component in SAP Enterprise Learning via the repository explorer. Content can be accessed via secure https. The authoring tool supports content administration and versioning. The concept of having two repositories, a centrally accessible repository in the content management component and a locally installed working repository for each author, facilitates data exchange between authors and enables an independent content-creation process. The central storage concept enables maximum reusability of existing content. Content in the repository can be referenced or copied by authors. In order to leverage the reuse of learning objects, authors are able to perform a structured search of metadata to find appropriate learning objects. Metadata is indexed automatically and accessible through the powerful search engine in SAP NetWeaver. The maintenance of consistent metadata is guaranteed by defining metadata fields as mandatory or optional. With this framework for metadata maintenance, already existing standards like Learning Object Metadata or Dublin Core can be supported. Content conversion, import, and export functions enable easy integration of Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM)-compliant courses from external providers. Customers can create and save their own templates for the various learning elements (learning objects, tests, and so on) that define structural and content-related specifications. These provide authors with valuable methodological and didactical support. SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning 23

24 Content can be linked to specific learning objectives to allow maximum individualization of the learning process. Tests created using the test author can verify the achievement of learning objectives. Achieved learning objectives are updated in the learner s profile so that the content player can pinpoint learning content that can be omitted for the learner at the start of a course. Learning strategies (for example, inductive or deductive) are used in addition to learning objectives to enable a wholly adaptive learning approach. The use of learning strategies means that one single course can furnish content for multiple target groups. Content structured one time is put together at runtime to suit the learning styles of multiple different learners. Instructional Design Editor Objects and Structures in the Authoring Environment Courses created using the authoring tool of SAP Enterprise Learning are called learning nets. A learning net can consist of learning objects, instructional elements, and tests. Complex learning nets can contain one or more subnets. A learning object is the self-contained treatment of a subject aimed at imparting and possibly testing knowledge and skills. A learning object is independent and reusable and can contain multiple instructional elements. Learning objects created in the authoring environment are compliant with universally recognized WBT standards. They are based on SCORM standards that were established and promoted by the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) initiative of the United States Department of Defense in cooperation with leading international organizations. SCORM 2004 Certification SAP Enterprise Learning environment supports the delivery of SCORM 2004 compliant course content. SCORM 2004 is a popular and recent standard for creating Web-based course content with advanced instructional design features including dynamic sequencing. Customers who have SCORM 2004 compliant courses can import course content packages into SAP Enterprise Learning using the authoring environment. Imported courses will be delivered using the Content Player. Progress and performance information can be reported using standard reports. A new SCORM data report enables training administrators to view all run time data generated by a SCORM course at the SCORM element level. This report can be used when there is a need to dig deep into the progress and performance details of a particular course for a particular user. AICC Compliance SAP Enterprise Learning environment also supports the delivery of course content that is compliant with the Aviation Industry CBT Committee (AICC) standard, AICC 4.0., which is a popular Web-based course-development standard. Customers who have AICC 4.0 compliant courses can import course content packages into SAP Enterprise Learning using the authoring environment. Imported courses will be delivered using the content player. Progress and performance information can be reported using standard reports. An instructional element is the smallest didactical unit in a learning net that serves to impart the content of a learning object. An instructional element can be of varying didactical character (knowledge category) such as overview, procedure, definition, and so on. Knowledge categories are attributes of instructional elements, which characterize these according to the type of content they contain. Knowledge categories classify information according to specific criteria or according to the type of question it can answer. For example, information that answers the question How does it work? is explanatory. 24 SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning

25 Learning Net Figure 7: Layout and Structure of Learning Content The sequence of learning objects in a learning net is referred to as the macrostructure. The sequence of instructional elements in a learning object is the microstructure. Learning Object Instructional Element Learning Object Instructional Element Learning Object Instructional Element Links between learning objects and instructional elements within a learning object are represented by relationships. Relationships are created in the authoring environment and can be of a didactical or functional nature. Content File Content File The solution uses knowledge categories in learning objects to dynamically generate learning paths. To make the best use of learning paths, a learning object should ideally consist of several instructional elements belonging to different knowledge categories. Course authors can see how a course navigates through a learning strategy preview in the authoring environment s structure editor. Knowledge is classified into the following categories: Orientation Explanation Action Reference material A test is similar to an instructional element and is the smallest didactical unit in a learning net. Different types of tests can be used in conjunction with learning strategies and can lead to various navigation patterns in the training process: Placement tests check prior knowledge. Content File Self-assessment tests check existing knowledge. Exercises check imparted content. Final tests check knowledge acquired upon completion of a course. The content player uses learning objectives, relationships, and knowledge categories to determine a learning path tailored individually to the learner at runtime, taking into account learning objectives already achieved and the learner s preferred learning strategy as set in his or her learner account or for this course. Figure 8: Authoring Environment Structure Editor SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning 25

26 When creating a new learning net, the course author can create new content from scratch or use existing content. Repository Explorer The repository explorer is a tool for the central administration of course content. Its functions fall into three areas: Data transfer between the local repository and the master repository Management of the local repository Management of the master repository Authoring Environment Controller Local Repository Repository Manager The main function of the repository explorer is to transfer data between the local repository, where course content can be displayed and edited, and the master repository, a central storage location accessible to all authors. Data transfer between the local work area (repository) and the master repository includes the following functions: Check-in of reusable objects (short form: objects) to the master repository Check-in involves data transfer from the local repository to the master repository. Data is stored in the master repository and can be displayed by other authors when it is released. The check-in wizard lets you automatically add all dependent objects to the check-in list. Dependent objects are any objects required for displaying the object being checked in. The check-in Learning Objectives Catalog Publisher Database Global Repository Figure 9: Data Transfer Between the Local and Master Repositories wizard provides a consistency check on cross-references between objects and their dependencies, as well as on required metadata. Copying of objects to the local repository Copying involves data transfer from the master repository to the local repository. In this process, the author can update the copied object and then check it back in the master repository. A version number is assigned on check-in. All of these steps can be processed automatically in a job and several jobs can run in parallel: Importing into a local repository Conversion (if required) Validation of content Checking into the master repository Releasing of a course Publishing of a course Content changes can be managed through customizable change categories. The author sets a change category during check-in of content. The change category defines what needs to happen for learners that are currently using a particular Web-based course. Learners can receive upgrades to the new content version automatically or manually, learning progress can be kept or deleted, and an additional cost can be associated with the upgrade. For example, a content change to correct typos can be carried out automatically while maintaining learning in progress and charging no additional cost. Whereas a content change to provide updated, new information follows a different process. The author may want learners to be aware of that change and enable them to manually update and delete the learning progress achieved up to that point. Management of the Local Repository The local repository is the directory structure of the local hard drive where all locally created objects (learning nets, learning objects, and instructional elements) are stored. 26 SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning

27 Management of the local repository includes the following functions: Generate reusable media object Edit object attributes Delete objects Edit object files You can set a view filter for the local repository to display all object types or only the editable versions of the objects. Management of the Master Repository The master repository is the central storage location for learning nets, learning objects, and media objects, and it is accessible to all content authors. The following functions are available to manage the master repository: Release objects You can release objects including learning nets, learning objects, and media objects for reuse. A consistency check is carried out internally before objects are released. Released objects are immediately accessible to other authors. Publish released learning nets as course content Published learning nets are sent to the training administrator as possible course-type content. When a learner books a course, the latest published version of the course is automatically called. By default, courses that are in process are not affected by version updates. The author can steer the version upgrade process on the learner s side by assigning different change categories. Display a preview or thumbnail image You can display preview or thumbnail images of objects in the content player, Find reusable objects based on flexible search criteria including metadata This function is available only if a central search engine is installed and configured appropriately. You can set a view filter for the master repository to display all object types or only the latest versions of the objects. Importing Resources There are two possible ways to import resources: Users can make nonreusable files (such as *.jpg files) available in learning nets or learning objects by importing them to the repository. These files are then automatically stored in the root folder of the object. Files that are located in the root folder of a learning net can be used only in that learning net or object. You can copy files to the repository as reusable media objects. Standards-compliant course content packages should be converted into learning nets using the import wizard. Packaging The packaging function lets you send learning objects and nets via . It enables content authors to make learning content accessible to other users, such as translators, who might not have access to the master repository. Figure 10: Referencing The package is stored as a file in learn ing net package (*.lnp) format. The following steps are involved in the packaging process: Pack, in which files must be packed to create a package Unpack, in which files must be unpacked to edit a package. The same dialogue is used as that for importing resources as reusable media objects. SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning 27

28 You can perform the following: Convert an external course to a learning net of SAP Enterprise Learning The course can then be played in SAP Enterprise Learning. If you want to use learning strategies with the course, some further editing is required. The course formats currently supported are SCORM version 1.1, SCORM version 1.2, SCORM 2004, and AICC 4.0. Convert learning nets of SAP Enterprise Learning into SCORM format The format available for this is SCORM version 1.2. The converted learning net can be imported and played in other SCORM-compliant learning systems. Template Manager The template manager helps you perform the following: Create, edit, and delete instructional element templates Create, edit, and delete test element templates Delete learning net templates Delete learning object templates Learning Objectives and the Learning Objectives Manager You can assign learning objectives to learning nets and learning objects in order to store data on the existing knowledge of a learner. The content player uses learning objective data at runtime to dynamically adapt the course content to suit the learner s level of knowledge. If a learning net or learning object has objectives appended to it, the software checks to determine if the learner has already achieved the objectives in question (by previously taking a test or course). There are two possible options, depending on the learner s level of knowledge: If the learner has already achieved all of the learning objectives, the learning net or object is considered completed and is skipped. If the learner has not achieved all of the learning objectives, he or she completes the learning net or object in question. When the learning net or object has been completed, all attainable learning objectives are awarded to the learner. When defining objectives with the learning objectives manager, you can use existing objectives from the learning objectives catalog or define new objectives for learning objects and nets. The learning objectives catalog is part of SAP ERP HCM. You can define and use learning objectives online or offline. When you work online, you can access the offline catalog of locally generated objectives and the online catalog in SAP ERP HCM via the learning objectives manager function. Objectives created offline are updated to the central learning objectives catalog via catalog synchronization. Test Author The test environment of SAP Enterprise Learning enables you to develop, manage, and implement Web-based test strategies. With the help of the test author tool, trainers, course au thors, instructional designers, and training administrators can plan, design, create, and manage tests and feedback measures efficiently. By enabling precise evaluation of a learner s skills and knowledge, the test environment allows for individual adaptation of the learning process, monitoring of the learning progress, and evaluation of the training process and success. Authors can use the test author tool to perform the following: Create and edit tests Create and edit test items Create and edit test pools and item pools The test author tool contains the following functions: Templates for creating test items Configurable results calculation for items and answers Configuration of test conditions, such as test duration Configuration of differentiated results calculation at the level of learning objectives and sections Configuration of tests and differentiated feedback Configuration of test items, such as dynamic selection or randomization of sections, item groups, test items, and answers Test Structure Test structure can contain the following elements: Sections containing coherent item groups Item groups containing test items and learning objectives Test items Attributes are defined for a test to determine how the test is to be taken. Each element of the test structure has its own specific attributes. 28 SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning

29 Test Types You can create different types of tests with the help of the test author tool. You assign the test type in the structure editor. Test types include the following: Placement tests Placement tests whose results are stored are taken prior to a course. They are criterion-referenced tests whose purpose is to adapt the course to the individual needs of the learner. Results at the level of the test, section, and item group are stored in the learner account in SAP Enterprise Learning. Test results at the level of the test item are stored for statistical purposes in the results database. The tests are called from the learning net structure in the content player of SAP Enterprise Learning. Final tests Final tests whose results are stored are taken at the conclusion of a course. They are criterion-referenced tests used to evaluate the course. Results at the level of the test, section, and item group are stored in the learner account in SAP Enterprise Learning. Test results at the level of the test item are stored for statistical purposes in the results database. They are called from the learning net structure in the content player of SAP Enterprise Learning. Exercises and self-assessment tests Exercises and self-assessment tests, such as quizzes, are scattered throughout learning content. The results of quizzes and selfassessments are not stored. Their purpose is to let learners monitor their learning progress. They can also be used as learning content. Stand-alone tests Stand-alone tests whose results are stored are independent of course content. They are criterion-referenced tests used to evaluate one or many courses. Results at the level of the test, section, and item group are stored in the learner account in SAP Enterprise Learning. Test results at the level of the test item are stored for statistical purposes in the results database. Stand-alone tests can be made as a prerequisite to other courses or curricula and can impart qualifications. They exist as a course in the catalog where learners must enroll to take the test. Test results are stored in SCORM 2004 compliant format. Test Items A test item comprises a question to be answered, instructions, and possible solutions to the question. The test environment supports the following item types: A multiple-choice (MC) item has one right answer and several wrong answers. This item type can also be used to create true/false items. A multiple-response (MR) item is a variation of the MC item in which the participant has to specify two or more right answers. An MR-explicit item is a variation of an MR item. The participant must state whether each possible answer is right or wrong. This type of test item helps identify possible knowledge gaps. A rating item is structured like an MC item. The participant may select one answer only. Unlike MC items, there are no right or wrong answers for rating items. Each alternative answer is assigned a certain score (scale rating). The participant rates the item content according to a predefined multilevel scale defined by the author. Rating items can be used in questionnaires and surveys, for example, to elicit participants opinions or evaluations. A fill-in item or gap test has no predefined format. The participant must fill in the right answer in a text field. You can integrate graphics, screen shots, videos, and other browserenabled media elements in each item. Repository Explorer as an Administration Tool In addition to the general functions contained in the repository explorer, a large number of other administrative functions are available to the training administrator or instructional designer: Translate objects You can translate released objects. The translation control function in the repository explorer enables storage of translation-specific data. This data can be evaluated in the learning portal so that courses can be offered to learners in their preferred language, where possible. It also helps avoid duplicate translation of objects already translated. Create folder You can create storage folders to structure the master repository. SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning 29

30 Delete objects You can delete empty folders, objects reservations, and invalid objects from the master repository. Mark content as obsolete You can mark content as obsolete to make it invisible to training administrators when assigning content to Web-based courses. Fix objects You can check for database inconsistencies that may arise in the master repository when objects are checked in or released. The repair function is used to fix unclear check-in or release statuses. Function check You can determine whether the master repository supports and correctly implements WebDAV protocol commands. Function check offers a performance test to measure the read and write speed of the master repository and thus detect possible bottlenecks in the master repository. Consistency check You can determine whether objects that have been checked in to the master repository also exist in the content management component or vice versa and check whether objects in the content management component have been published. Copy master repository You can copy the entire master repository to another server. Configuration You can specify and, if necessary, change the root folder of the local repository. Integration provides key benefits to your business. The SAP Enterprise Learning environment leverages one competency catalog for all talent management processes, one set of employee master data to reduce redundant users and data, and one organizational structure to drive workflow, security, and position management. It uses one set of consolidated, analytics to plan, measure, and link strategies with business outcomes, and one technology environment to reduce maintenance and upgrade efforts. 30 SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning

31 INTEGRATION MAPPING TRAINING TO BUSINESS PROCESSES SAP Enterprise Learning is powered by SAP NetWeaver. As it is part of SAP ERP HCM, the functionality of SAP Enterprise Learning is deeply integrated into SAP ERP HCM and the SAP ERP application in ways that affect technical considerations and business processes. This guarantees smooth data exchange and persistent mapping of all business processes. Offline Learning Offline Player LSOOP SAP NetWeaver Portal Learning Portal Business Process for Learning Collaboration SAP NetWeaver AS + LSOFE Add-On Content Player Java Engine LSOCP SAP ERP SAP ECC core SAP ERP HCM Performance Management, Personnel Development Master Data SAP ECC HR extension Includes LSOTM Training Management (No add-on) Figure 11: SAP Learning Solution Is Powered by SAP NetWeaver SAP NetWeaver Portal SAP NetWeaver Portal is an open, Web-based platform that gives employees access to the functions they require to perform their daily tasks. SAP content and non-sap content, such as news reports from Web sites or stock tickers, can be integrated into SAP NetWeaver Portal. SAP content is Learning Content Content Management Portal Searching Search and Retrieval Engine Analytical Reporting SAP NetWeaver BI SAP NetWeaver XI Authoring Authoring Environment LSOAE External Learning Service KEY User Interface: Learner User Interface: Author User Interface: Manager Business Logic imported into SAP NetWeaver Portal via a portlet (also called an iview), such as the learning portal of SAP Enterprise Learning. Learning Portal The learning portal is a learner s personalized access to an individual learning offering. Using SAP technology, all the relevant data from SAP ERP HCM is made accessible to a learner in real time in the learning portal. This includes features and functions such as the course catalog, course proposals, and the training history from training management, or the qualifications catalog and qualifications profiles from the personnel development component. The learning portal is supplied with data about the learner from the learning management software component. This includes data on learning progress in WBT courses or reentry information for an interrupted WBT course. Collaboration Collaboration functionality of SAP NetWeaver integrated in SAP Enterprise Learning gives you a powerful solution for collaborative learning in virtual learning groups. With this software, both administrator-managed collaborative learning, as well as the collaborative learning process itself are optimally supported. The administrator gets many supportive functions to create, assign, and manage collaboration rooms connected to a course. From the learning portal, a learner intuitively finds associated collaboration rooms to a course and has direct and quick access. SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning 31

32 Content Management Knowledge management functionality in SAP NetWeaver includes a content management component that is used for content storage in SAP Enterprise Learning. WebDAV interfaces link the content management component with learning management software and the authoring environment. Search and Classification The search and classification engine used to find courses from the authoring environment of the content management component is part of the knowledge management functionality of SAP NetWeaver. You can search the master repository for individual objects using keywords or metadata. Portal Solutions from Other Providers SAP Enterprise Learning can run without SAP NetWeaver Portal. The learning portal can be integrated into an existing corporate intranet or into an enterprise portal. If you want to integrate the learning portal into an existing intranet, you must install the content management system you want to use. This content management system must have a WebDAV interface. From the learning portal, learners can book, launch, and cancel courses that are hosted by a third-party provider. You can seamlessly transfer learning progress achieved on the external system and store it in the learner s record in SAP Enterprise Learning. Technically, the integration is done using SAP NetWeaver Exchange Infrastructure. SAP Learning Solution XML A B C Architecture with SAP NetWeaver XI SAP NetWeaver XI XML A B C Mapping XML B D Learning Management When a learner calls a WBT course in the learning portal, the content player is automatically started in the learning management software. Using the master data stored for the course in the training management area, the learning management software calls the relevant content from the content management component and passes the information to the content player. XSLT B D External Learning System Provider System Services Overview Selecting a course from the course offering in the learning portal of the SAP Learning Solution XML B D Integration of External Learning Services Externally hosted learning services can be integrated seamlessly into SAP Enterprise Learning through SAP NetWeaver, the foundation of enterprise SOA. Learning services can include virtual learning sessions, external collaboration tools, externally hosted content, or testing services. Figure 12: Enhanced Integration of External Learning Service and Content Provider 32 SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning

33 Authoring Environment Course authors publish learning nets by checking them into the content management component. For this purpose, an online connection is set up among the local repository, the locally installed authoring environment, and the master repository in the content management component. Published learning nets are available in the training management area to the training administrator, who can assign published learning nets courses. HR Business Content SAP NetWeaver has HR business content for SAP Enterprise Learning that includes HR extractors, two information cubes, and 18 queries that make it easier for you to report on, process, and retrieve data. Predefined standard reports and report templates enable you to create reports quickly and simply. Reports can be used to process data for decision making or information purposes. Integrated Business Processes SAP Enterprise Learning is a component of SAP ERP HCM. Functions such as material procurement, external billing, and internal activity allocation are enabled by means of integration with other solutions of SAP ERP. Smooth, efficient data transfer between the solutions is guaranteed. Integration with Other SAP ERP HCM Components Since SAP Enterprise Learning is a component of SAP ERP HCM, you can optimize your education and training processes by using existing personnel management data and functionality. For example, if you already use SAP ERP HCM to perform training and event management, personnel development, and organizational management, you can generate in SAP Enterprise Learning training proposals that you ve already made for employees on the basis of qualifications, requirements, and position data. SAP Enterprise Learning lets you display these personal training proposals to the employee in the learning portal. Courses can be linked to jobs, positions, and organizational units from the organizational management component of SAP ERP HCM. The transition from the training and event management component to SAP Enterprise Learning is easy and seamless, and all existing data can be reused in SAP Enterprise Learning. Customers that do not already use SAP ERP HCM are supplied with the parts of SAP ERP HCM that they require to use SAP Enterprise Learning to its full extent. They can also run SAP Enterprise Learning with minimal data from the other components and add value later on through integration. Organizational Management Integration with the organizational management component of SAP ERP HCM enables access to the complete organizational structure. You can book entire organizational units, not just individual employees, as participants. You can define target groups for courses by prescribing courses as mandatory for organizational units, positions, and jobs. Personnel Development Integration with the personnel development component of SAP ERP HCM means that training proposals made during career and succession planning can be converted directly into bookings or prebookings for courses. Training courses that are part of an individual development plan also appear in the personalized learning offering in the learning portal. You can match an employee s qualifications with the requirements of a position. If the matchup reveals a qualification deficit, training proposals can be generated automatically. Also, upcoming qualification deficits through expiring qualifications or certificates are indicated in advance. On successful completion of the required course, the employee s profile is updated with the new qualification. Qualifications can also be defined as prerequisites for course participation. Integration with the training management component of SAP ERP HCM enables managers to prescribe specific mandatory courses for individual employees as part of their individual development plan. Personnel Administration Employee master data (name, address, and so on) that is required when making a course booking is stored in the personnel administration component of SAP ERP HCM. Integration with training management software enables managers to prescribe specific mandatory courses for individual employees. SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning 33

34 Time Management Integration between SAP Enterprise Learning and the time management component of SAP ERP HCM enables comparisons between employees training dates and their time-off data (vacation, illness, business trips, and so on). This helps to ensure that an employee is free to participate in courses. It also prevents time conflicts that can occur, for example, if an employee is scheduled as a participant and an instructor at the same time. Regulatory Requirements and Compliance Management SAP Enterprise Learning provides extensive support for regulatory requirements and compliance management in a closed-loop process as follows: Enables the organization to manage training in a centralized environment, standardizing its processes and tracking capabilities for any critical processes that need to be monitored Ensures that employees have the necessary qualifications and competencies or courses in order to perform their tasks, based on their role within the organization Notifies employees within a customizable preview period in the learning portal about expiring competencies. One mouse click brings them to the relevant courses to renew the certifications. Enables flexible notification via , regular mail, or other channels to employees, managers, or supervisors Allows for administration of online tests to ensure certifications that learners can attest to by e-signature Allows learners to attest to completion of any regulatory training or online test by applying their e-signature, which is date- and time-stamped Allows versioning of e-learning content and tracking of participation according to content version Allows extensive reporting for audit purposes through e-record functionality that can track who did what and when an action occurred Can include e-signatures with date and time stamps for participation and progress reporting With SAP Enterprise Learning, an organization has a system in place that enables it to manage training in a centralized environment, standardize its processes, and track employee qualifications for any critical processes that need to be monitored. For example, it supports training and certification for U.S. Food and Drug Administration Title 21 CFR Part 11, as follows: Training needs Qualifications (21 CFR ). Courses (21 CFR ). Mandatory courses (21 CFR ). Training records Students input data and sign (21 CFR ). Reports made available to students, managers, and administrators. Competency Tests provided to prove competency (21 CFR ). Tests appear as an element of content and are signed later by student on completion. Test editor allows multiple-choice, multiple-response, true or false, and fill-in-the-blank answers. Validation Performed during implementation by customer or integration partner security. User name and password. Password expiry and hard stop after three inaccurate attempts to log on. Access rights Role-based authorization concepts for transactions. Records and audit trail Automated, inaccessible. Contain name, date, time, action, and to from. Reports Delivered, name(s), training(s), reason, date(s), and time(s). E-signature For student to document training completion. Nonbiometric; user name and password. Contains name, date, and time, in readable form. 34 SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning

35 Other Integration Options Sales and Distribution In addition to managing data about employees, you can also manage data on external participants. Customer data from the sales and distribution component of the SAP ERP Operations solution is used for this purpose. This data is used for billing purposes and to determine participants addresses. If you want to take advantage of this option, you must implement the relevant subcomponent of SAP ERP Operations. Materials Management Classroom training requires materials such as training manuals, stationery, and so on. The materials required can be procured or ordered directly by means of the materials management component if it is integrated. If you want to take advantage of this option, you must implement the relevant materials management subcomponent of the SAP ERP Operations solution. Cost Accounting While external participants are billed for course participation, training costs for internal employees are settled by means of internal activity allocation. During this process, costs are debited from the employee s cost center. Participation fees may also be posted to internal orders. If you want to take advantage of this option, you must implement the relevant subcomponent of the SAP ERP Financials solution. SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning 35

36 SYSTEM LANDSCAPE AND GENERAL CONDITIONS TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SAP ENTERPRISE LEARNING This section contains information on the system landscape required and the technical prerequisites of SAP Enterprise Learning. SAP Enterprise Learning is a component of the SAP ERP HCM solution. Learning Portal and Browser To access the learning portal of SAP Enterprise Learning, learners require either the Microsoft Internet Explorer or the Firefox browser. SAP NetWeaver Application Server The SAP NetWeaver Application Server (SAP NetWeaver AS) component is required so that the business server pages for the learning portal can be imported into SAP NetWeaver AS. Data from SAP ERP HCM is displayed in the learning portal by means of business server pages. SAP NetWeaver AS is part of SAP NetWeaver. Authoring Environment The authoring environment is installed locally on the content author s PC. One of the following operating systems is required for this: Microsoft Windows 2000 Microsoft Windows NT Microsoft Windows XP The authoring environment also requires the installation of Java Development Kit from Sun as a prerequisite. The authoring environment is connected with the content management component via a WebDAV interface. Checkin, copy, search, and content publishing in the component is done via the Web- DAV interface. Learning Management The content player is a Java application that is deployed on a Java runtime environment. It is linked with other software such as SAP NetWeaver AS and SAP ERP HCM. The runtime environment required to use the content player is based on Java Platform, Enterprise Edition and is part of SAP NetWeaver. Content Management Learning content needs to be stored and managed; therefore, a content management system is mandatory. The following options are available: Part of the standard delivery of SAP Enterprise Learning is the content management component from the knowledge management functionality of SAP NetWeaver Portal. Because of the open architecture of SAP NetWeaver, a WebDAV level 2 compliant server can be seamlessly integrated as a content management system. 36 SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning

37 SYSTEM LANDSCAPE WITH ALE TECHNICAL OPTION FOR SAP ENTERPRISE LEARNING There is an option for customers who want to run SAP Enterprise Learning in a different technical platform from the one used for SAP ERP HCM. The option is to implement a stand-alone instance of SAP ERP HCM for SAP Enterprise Learning and transfer the necessary data from a customer s HR production platform via application link enabling (ALE) to SAP ERP HCM. ALE is a set of business processes and tools based on a proven technology that allow applications on different computer platforms to be linked. For security reasons, it makes sense to run the learning platform separate from the HR platform. In this scenario, you can realize a multitier firewall concept, allowing your external learners (such as customers, partners, or employees working from home) to book and launch courses but preventing them from accessing sensitive HR data in the productive system. ALE integration is a mature core technology proven at several customer sites. Find Out More To learn more about SAP ERP HCM, please visit the SAP Web site at SAP Learning Solution SAP ERP Additional Components Composite Applications SAP ERP HCM 4.6C or higher SAP ERP Central Component extension set for SAP ECC LSOTM SAP ECC core SAP NetWeaver Application Platform ALE Q/P/O/C/S Java LSOCP ABAP LSOFE RFC Q Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Figure 13: System Landscape with Application Link Enabling SAP Functions in Detail SAP Enterprise Learning 37

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40 (08/01) 2008 by SAP AG. All rights reserved. SAP, R/3, xapps, xapp, SAP NetWeaver, Duet, PartnerEdge, Business ByDesign, ByDesign, SAP Business ByDesign, and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP AG in Germany and in several other countries all over the world. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. Data contained in this document serves informational purposes only. National product specifi cations may vary. These materials are subject to change without notice. These materials are provided by SAP AG and its affiliated companies ( SAP Group ) for informational purposes only, without representation or warranty of any kind, and SAP Group shall not be liable for errors or omissions with respect to the materials. The only warranties for SAP Group products and services are those that are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services, if any. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty.