Towards Maturity extends deadline of popular learning technologies benchmark study

Aug. 1, 2011 - PRLog -- The level of popularity in this year’s Towards Maturity Benchmark Study has led the research company to extend the deadline by two weeks to August the 16th 2011.

Over 400 organisations have already taken part and feedback on the Benchmark Study has been astounding. Over 73% of participants reporting that just taking part has given them new ideas to improve the impact of their learning services.

Early findings indicate that almost 60% of organisations are expecting to see the budget allocation for learning technologies increase in the next two years. 38% are now using mobile technology in learning. Twice as many companies are using third party social media sites in learning compared to Towards Maturity 2010 research.

The study also provides organisations an opportunity to review existing implementation practices and indentify emerging good practices using new media.

Taking part in the Benchmark Study is easy; it takes just 40 minutes to complete the review and it’s completely confidential. Everyone who completes their review by the 16th of August will receive a free personalised online report with their Towards Maturity Index, a figure that represents the scale of good practise used in their organisation by the end of the month.

In addition, participants will also receive a high level report detailing key performance indicators and recommendations for further actions, as well as a new Time for Action – 101 tips for success white paper, containing practical advice gathered from previous benchmark participants.

Over the eight years of benchmarking, 1500 organisations and 3000 learners across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors have benefited from taking part in Toward Maturity’s popular free benchmark.

Laura Overton, Managing Director of Towards Maturity said, “This study isn’t just a piece of research, it’s an opportunity to improve performance. I encourage organisations who are interested in indentifying and sharing effective implementation practices to take advantage of the benchmark extension and get involved.”  

Overton concludes, “The study feedback from participants so far has been great - one blue chip company told us - Thank you, I've done this a couple of times now - and it keeps me sharp.”

The research, worth £600 is available for free thanks to Towards Maturity’s Ambassadors, 15 leading learning organisations. They work together as Ambassadors for change, identifying and improving good practice, raising awareness and driving the whole learning industry forward.

The Towards Maturity Ambassador Programme includes the following founding ambassadors Brightwave, Epic, GlobalEnglish, LINE, Communications, LMMatters, Plateau Systems, Redtray and The Charity Learning Consortium, plus CERTPOINT Systems, Digital Publishing, Element K, Fusion-Universal, Information Transfer, learndirect and Toolwire.  

For more information on joining the Toward Maturity Ambassador Programme please visit http://www.towardsmaturity.org/static/towards-maturity-am... or email nigel@towardsmaturity.org.

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Toward Maturity’s not for profit benchmark practice provides independent expert advice and support in using learning innovation to accelerate business performance. Towards Maturity leverages the wealth of data provided by its Benchmark Study, an internationally recognised longitudinal study based on the inputs of 1,200 organisations and 3,000 learners over 8 years. Benchmark findings, case studies and resources are available to download for free on the website.www.towardsmaturity.org