Seagate offers global SPHR training in a blended learning format with the SHRM Learning System.

CERTIFICATION PREPARATION CASE STUDY

The SHRM Learning System fits well with our needs and philosophy. We are strong believers in combining self-study, e-learning, and facilitated discussion. Live and virtual seminars are led by a SHRM instructor who not only offers a flexible syllabus, but also has the knowledge, skills, and cultural understanding to engage a diverse population.
Lesley St. Pierre Director of HR Seagate

Solution:
Offer SHRM Learning System seminars globally under the guidance of a SHRM instructor.
Seagate set out to train all of its client-facing HRBPs, including management. They turned to the experts at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) to find a training solution: The SHRM Learning System. Seagate chose the SHRM Learning System for its flexibility and blended learning format of self-study materials and instructor-led seminars. Lesley St. Pierre, Director of HR and Six Sigma Master Black Belt, explains. The SHRM Learning System fits well with our needs and philosophy. We are strong believers in combining self-study, e-learning, and facilitated discussion. Live and virtual seminars are led by a SHRM instructor who not only offers a flexible syllabus, but also has the knowledge, skills and cultural understanding to engage a diverse population. The print- and Web-based materials were also key to the success of the program. The SHRM Learning System is a highly effective and cost-effective study method and instructional tool to support SPHR exam preparation.

Company Profile:
Seagate is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of hard disc drives, providing products for a wide-range of applications. The company is committed to providing award-winning products, customer support and reliability to meet the worlds growing demand for information storage.

Challenge:
Establish a baseline of common HR knowledge and implement an SPHR certification program.
Multinational organizations around the world are facing an array of human resource challenges. One common challenge is training. Seagate is no exception. With a major presence in the U.S., Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Seagates HR function manages a diverse workforce. Lisa Kirk, Vice President of Global Human Resource Business Partners, explains the importance of training for Seagates HR professionals. It is important to Seagate that our Business Partners have a command of core HR expertise and are viewed by both the internal and external communities as leading edge HR professionals. In early 2007, Seagate had already established a successful internal certification program, designed and taught by Seagate executives to build specific knowledge and skills. What was missing was a formal external certification program that could establish a baseline of common HR generalist knowledge across Seagates HR Business Partners (HRBP) function worldwide and support SPHR certification.

Results:
Global knowledge and validation.
In 2007, Seagate completed two waves of training using the SHRM Learning Systems blended learning approach. The first wave focused on a large group of U.S. based HR professionals, while the second added HR professionals from Singapore, Japan, and Malaysia. To date, 28 individuals have completed the program. Lesley St. Pierre was impressed with the programs fit. The SHRM Learning System reinforced what it is to be an HR Business Partner at Seagate. You had to think through the online problems and strategize to get to the best answer. It definitely reinforced the strategic nature of the role. From a management perspective, Lisa Kirk highlighted the primary benefits. This program has provided a common base and framework of HR knowledge spanning multiple key HR functional areas for Seagates global HRBPs. It also provides internal and external professional validation.