Creating a Scalable Learning Paths Concept in a Self-Managing Organisation

Abstract

Humans tend to seek learning naturally. For organisations in today’s rapidly changing environment, learning is their lifeline. Self-managing organisations are known for emphasising the individual’s responsibility and ability to lead oneself which applies to learning too. In this type of environment, co-creation and knowledge sharing become crucial. This master’s thesis work was done as part of MBA studies in Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences. The commissioning company for this thesis work was Awake.AI which is a start-up company with autonomous teams in maritime logistics business. The objective of this master’s thesis work was to create a learning paths concept for Awake.AI. The consultative development work was done as qualitative research, using service design methods and tools. The thesis project for the company was done between September 2020 and April 2021. As a subobjective, onboarding was improved at Awake.AI. The empirical material for the study was gathered through semi-structured interviews. The study followed various iterative loops, ending into improvement of current onboarding experience and into a prototype of a learning paths concept. Further development suggestions and next steps advice were also given to the company. The findings of the research supported the theoretical framework of a learning organisation. The main factors fostering learning in self-managing organisations were the company’s culture itself, having challenging enough and meaningful work/projects and bringing the best talents in the industry together in the company to share knowledge. The factors inhibiting learning are the challenge of giving challenging and interesting enough work/projects, and poor time management in high growth pace. These factors were taken into account in the learning paths design. The steps of building a flexible learning paths framework were wrapped up as best practices playbook for human resources professionals, who are starting their own journey in creating learning paths in their organisations. The eight steps identified in creating a learning paths concept are (1) start from knowing your organisation and the background, (2) conceptualise, (3) explore your desired learning related guidelines, (4) collaborate and involve, (5) act as enabler, coach and facilitator, (6) reserve time for recognising competencies, (7) reflect and invest in internal communications, and (8) share learning experiences.