Training for Global Software Development in an International "Learning Network"

Siemens Austria\´s Program and System Engineering Division SIS PSE has moved away from the classic approach of offering training via an in-house Training Center towards a new approach called "Learning Network ". This Learning Network is part of PSE wide international knowledge networking, and consists of about 100 internal trainers, who perform their training activities beside their main job as engineers, project managers, quality managers, or the like. Given the organization\´s set-up in a global software development environment, this has particular advantages in terms of international standardization of content (where needed), provision of local content, cost, and pedagogical efficiency. This paper briefly outlines the challenges PSE is faced with, introduces the approach adopted by PSE in detail, gives three examples of training for skills development specifically needed in global software development, highlights the critical success factors of such an approach, and provides a resume.