Sears to use Internet HR training

Drug Store News, April 24, 2000 by Liz Parks

CHICAGO -- Sears, one of the country's largest department store chains, has signed a contract with Dallas-based ACS, a leading provider of information technology services and business solutions worldwide, to develop Web-based training for Sears' human resources department.

Cathy Janicki, field training manager for Sears, said that Web-based training "offers a more cost-effective, responsive and powerful alternative to regional workshops, on-site training and computer-based training."

Sears provides training and support to approximately 850 human resources specialists in its stores across the country. The specialists, who are geographically dispersed1 each have responsibility for 150 to 300 associates in their individual stores.

Janicki said traditional training procedures have become costly and time consuming," adding that in many cases training procedures are quickly become outdated.

The ACS project, which is under way, includes defining the specific training requirements, evaluating and updating Sears' current training information, developing sequenced training modules for the most critical areas and designing and developing both Sears intranet and Internet applications.