The rationalization of MTN’s vendors, and subsequent increase in volume per vendor, gives the company the ability to negotiate flexible contracts in terms of number of delegates and sessions to be held without being penalized.
A pilot deployment for seven competency clusters resulted in a number of qualitative and quantitative benefits. Qualitative benefits include industry-leading standardized learning vendor management processes, a robust learning governance framework, an increased focus on the quality of learning content and increased awareness of potential cost reduction opportunities. Quantitative benefits include a reduction of over 90 percent in the number of vendors and contract savings of 25 percent.
Accenture and MTN share a common “can-do” attitude which helped accelerate the project. Accenture’s methodologies and frameworks, leading industry-practices and deep experience were combined with MTN’s experience and knowledge to create a solution that was tailored for MTN. By engaging regularly with MTN, Accenture reinforced a sense of co-creation while regular social events improved relationships and alignment between the Accenture and MTN teams.
A rigorous communications plan, supported by continuous communication with all stakeholders, helped to facilitate acceptance of the solution. Subject matter experts were introduced in critical meetings and workshops to share their knowledge and experience. Regular workshops and review sessions also served to create a collaborative environment. Having MTN team leaders present at each status meeting increased accountability, while giving the team an opportunity to present the impressive results and progress of the project.
In collaboration with Accenture, MTN has significantly improved its learning and development services while dramatically reducing its costs. It is now well on its way to achieving high performance through learning and development function.