Comparing the effectiveness of error avoidance, error management and team-based learning programs for SAP software training

The implementation of large enterprise software systems introduces changes to business transactions and processes that have to be communicated and trained. SAP is one of the leading enterprise systems in the world, and is currently being implemented at NORDAM in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The traditional SAP training method is an error avoidance (EAT) approach, which is based on scripted exercises that guide participants to the correct solution. This has for the most part successfully equipped people with the procedural knowledge to process transaction scenarios that were presented in the training materials. The effectiveness of this method with regards to analogical and adaptive transfer has had questionable results for NORDAM. Recent studies suggest that error management training (EMT) and/or team-based learning (TBL) would be more effective and appropriate training approaches for analytical and adaptive knowledge transfer. Using a sample of 69 employees, this study compared the effectiveness of EAT, EMT and TBL for SAP related procedural and adaptive knowledge transfer as well as business performance. Results suggest that for the NORDAM population a TBL training approach would be more effective than either EAT or EMT for procedural performance and adaptive knowledge transfer. Findings also revealed that an EMT training approach would be more effective than either EAT or TBL for declarative knowledge transfer. A better knowledge of training approaches and their effects on learners and business performance will help NORDAM in the design and implementation of efficient and cost effective training programs for future SAP deployments.