Title:	USING ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKS FOR E-LEARNING: A CASE ABOUT TRAINING AND SMALL ENTERPRISE SUSTENANCE
Author(s):	Phoebus Mere, Ray M Kekwaletswe
ISBN:	978-972-8939-67-0
Editors:	Piet Kommers and Pedro Isaías
Year:	2012
Edition:	Single
Keywords:	Training, e-Learning, Online Social Networking, Communities of Practice, Small enterprise
Type:	Short Paper
First Page:	437
Last Page:	441
Language:	English
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Full Contents:	click to dowload
Paper Abstract:	Most successful enterprises tend to have a culture of continued learning. While learning and training are interrelated, small enterprises seem not to put more emphasis on learning in their organizations. This paper illustrates the necessity of training in small enterprises, and determines how online social networking sites can be used to expand organizational learning and training. A case study involving two South African small enterprises was conducted. The study was underpinned by organizational learning theory and the virtual communities of practice theory. In South Africa small enterprises are classified as organizations with employees less than 50 and with an annual turnover less than 13 million rand, as well as total gross assets less than 5 million rand. Empirical evidence collected during the study showed that small enterprises tend not to put much emphasis on learning and up-skilling their human resource, thus hindering a smooth operation, growth and development. This paper argues that these small enterprises could address the preceding challenges by practicing e-learning as a method for continually training employees. The paper concludes with a framework on how online social networking sites can be used as a platform for an improved e-learning and training.
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