Understanding internet distance learning initiatives: case studies in two large com- panies in Brazil

Abstract

This article analyzes distance learning initiatives in large companies in Brazil, how they work and what are their features. It presents two case studies: one at a corporate university at an American multinational company subsidiary and another at a production training center in a European multinational company subsidiary. The case studies basically used three forms of data collection: direct observation of the installations and their functioning, informal interviews (non-structured) with a few team members during the observation period and semi-structured interviews. The results helped to understand these organizations in aspects such as educational con- cept, target audience, financing, course development, evaluation, initial costs, return on investment, advantages and disadvantages.