The following article was published in Training Technology & Human Resources [Sept/Oct 2002] and looks at how in a tougher and increasingly cost-conscious business world, organisations are facing constant challenges in balancing their operating costs with the needs of the business.

One of the areas of greatest challenges is training and development, where organisations realise and understand the value of excellent staff development, yet wish to increase the flexibility of training provision whilst at the same time containing or reducing costs in the face of tough market conditions.