1. Learning Record
Name Lane Hoffer
City / Country -Bismarck / United States
Date of Birth 8th August, 1984
E-mail lanecrash@gmail.com
Gender Male
Time spent studying on ALISON 66:52:05
Certified courses
88%Service Management - Building Service Quality
The free online course Service Management - Building Service Quality introduces the dimensions of service
quality and how to build quality into business services to achieve customer delight. The course begins by
introducing the dimensions of service quality and the elements of customer satisfaction. You will learn how
to classify quality and customer satisfaction under the headings of 'hard', 'soft' and 'outcome' quality. You
will learn about the costs of poor service quality and the approaches that need to be taken to recover
service reputation. You will also learn about the different tools that can be used to analyze service quality
problems....
100%Marketing Strategies for Service Management
The free online course Marketing Strategies for Service Management introduces a variety of marketing
strategies that help position a business service in the marketplace and give it a competitive advantage by
implementing an effective pricing strategy. The course begins by introducing the principles of positioning a
business service and how positioning strategies can be used to correctly position a service in the
marketplace. You will learn how to develop an effective positioning strategy for a business service and how
to use positioning maps to analyze competitive strategy. You will then learn about branding and what is
meant by a 'brand'. You...
80%Customer Relationship Management in Business Services
The free online course Customer Relationship Management in Business Services focuses on how businesses
can achieve excellence in customer relationships by designing and developing effective and efficient
service processes for their customers. The course begins by showing you how fluctuating demand from
customers for a service can be addressed by businesses by managing capacity within the service process
they offer to their customers. You will then learn how businesses can use marketing elements to shape
demand patterns for a service. You will learn about consumer behaviour and how important elements of
service processes such as queuing and waiting...

2. Learning Record
92%Introduction to Service Management
The free online course Introduction to Service Management introduces the topic of managing business
services, how to make business services more effective and efficient, and how to improve customer
relationship management. The course begins by introducing you to the topic of service management and
the elements of service management such as how best to serve customers in the modern business
environment, what the product service systems are, what the service act comprises of, and how to ensure
seamless service to customers both within and outside an organisation. Few services are totally intangible
as they often contain elements with tangible properties...
80%Introduction to Hospitality Management Studies
The free online course Introduction to Hospitality Management Studies provides information on the basic
skills and competencies involved in working within the hospitality industry and an understanding of how the
industry operates in its different forms. The course first introduces you to the main characteristics of the
hospitality industry such as products and services, communication with customers and with staff,
relationship building such as developing repeat customers, cultural diversity and labour. You will also gain
an understanding of the relationship between the hospitality industry and the tourism sector, as well as an
overview of the...
48%Lean Manufacturing - Line Balancing and Facilities Location
The free online course Lean Manufacturing - Line Balancing and Facilities Location is the third course in the
Applied Operations Management series. This course introduces the process of line balancing in lean
manufacturing, which involves assigning tasks to workstations, so that workstations have approximately
equal time requirements. Line balancing is used to minimize idle time and remove potential bottlenecks
within a process. The course begins by introducing the concept of line balancing and explains terminology
associated with it, such as tasks, task precedence, task times and cycle time. You will then learn about
heuristics for working out...
52%Introduction to Risk Management
The free online course Introduction to Risk Management is designed to expand your knowledge and
understanding of managing risk. Risk management has become a central aspect of modern business
operations and is used to identify, assess, and prioritize risks within a business. Resources can then be
applied to minimize and control the impact those risks will have on business operations. Modern businesses
need competent people to manage risks and because of this risk management experts are now in high
demand. The course begins by emphasizing how ambiguous a term "risk" is. By presenting a
wide range of definitions of the term, and a variety...
83%Modern Human Resource Management - Appraisal and Performance
The free online course in Modern Human Resource Management – Appraisal and Performance introduces
very important aspects of HR management, such as understanding employee rights, how to manage
employee performance, how to implement performance evaluation systems and how to complete and
conduct employee assessments. The course also reviews workplace health and safety law, the health
concerns that can affect employees at work, and the hazards associated with the workplace. The course
begins by introducing the main examples of organisational performance issues and the processes used to
handle these types of employee problems. You will gain an understanding...

3. Learning Record
80%Modern Human Resource Management - Training and Induction
The free online course Modern Human Resource Management - Training and Induction describes in detail
the process HR professionals or managers go through as they prepare and implement employee training,
development, retention and communication processes. The course first introduces the main points in the
employee retention and motivation process as it relates to HRM, as well as the costs and reasons
associated with employee turnover. You will gain an understanding of motivational theories and the
application of them in the development of retention plans. You will also learn about applying specific
retention strategies to include in HR plans, while...
90%Modern Human Resource Management - Recruitment and Selection Process
The free online course in Modern Human Resource Management - Recruitment and Selection Process
describes in detail the process HR professionals or managers go through as they define and prepare job
specifications and employment compensation packages to attract the right candidates to fill job positions.
The course also describes the processes involved in the planning and conducting of professional interviews.
The course first introduces you to the main points in the recruitment process as it relates to HRM, the laws
related to the employment cycle and the different recruitment strategies such as recruiting from a variety
of sources to ensure diversity....
82%Introduction to Modern Human Resource Management
The free online course Introduction to Modern Human Resource Management will introduce learners to
practices and procedures used in modern human resources (HRM) departments. The course outlines the
processes HR professionals go through to ensure they have the right employees at the right time to make
sure the company is both productive and profitable. The course first introduces you to the seven main roles
that HRM plays in business and why, in a constantly changing world, the HRM function is key to success.
You will also learn about the array of skills needed to deal with a variety of HR situations and the challenges
facing HRM today. Strategic...
84%Applied Psychology - Matching Marketing Strategies to Consumer Personalities
The free online course Applied Psychology - Matching Marketing Strategies to Consumer Personalities
introduces learners to the psychological aspects of consumer personality and why consumers generally buy
those products/brands whose 'brand personality' matches their own. Psychological research has shown that
a consumer's decision about whether or not to buy a particular brand as well as the timing and place of
purchase, the amount purchased, its usage and disposal, are all based on the consumer's personality.
Because of this it is of great importance that marketers understand the psychological aspects of consumer
personality so that they can devise...
90%Applied Psychology - Understanding Consumer Attitudes
The free online course Applied Psychology - Understanding Consumer Attitudes introduces learners to the
importance of understanding consumer attitudes for creating effective marketing strategies. For a
marketer, consumer attitudes reflect a consistent favorable or unfavorable feeling that a consumer has
after evaluating a product/service offering, brand, price etc. By understanding the dynamics behind
consumer attitudes marketers can design marketing strategies that positively influence consumers towards
the product/service offering, brand, price etc. The course starts by introducing you to the nature and
functions of attitudes in general and...

4. Learning Record
100%Applied Psychology - Understanding Models of Consumer Behavior
The free online course Applied Psychology - Understanding Models of Consumer Behavior will introduce you
to models of how consumers approach the marketplace and how they each go through the buying decision
process differently. The psychological makeup varies between consumers and this impacts greatly on the
final decision each consumer makes. The course first introduces you to the four models of consumers which
researchers have identified. These models help marketers determine how consumers may approach a
particular marketplace. The course then describes in detail both General Models and Specific Models of
consumer behavior which attempt to explain...
0%Applied Psychology - Introduction to Consumer Behavior
The free online course Applied Psychology - Introduction to Consumer Behavior introduces the
psychological processes behind the behavior of consumers and how they make their decisions. All
consumers are similar in that they all have needs and wants, but all are different in that they have different
consumption patterns and consumption behavior. In this course you will learn about the nature and scope
of consumer behavior, and how it evolved from other disciplines such as psychology and sociology into its
own distinct field of study. You will then learn about the application of consumer behavior and how studying
it helps marketers formulate appropriate...
65%Understanding Cross-Cultural Communication in International Business
The free online course Understanding Cross-Cultural Communication in International Business offers
business professionals advice and guidance for communicating effectively with work colleagues and clients
who come from different cultural backgrounds. The course first introduces learners to the concept of cross-
cultural communication and its importance in the modern globalized workplace. The course then describes
strategies for identifying both similar and divergent cultural characteristics across different cultures, and
why they play an important role in effective cross-cultural communication. Learners will be introduced to
potential barriers...
100%Business Communication - Developing Effective Business Presentation Skills
The free online course Business Communication - Developing Effective Business Presentation Skills will help
learners prepare more effectively for a presentation, be more confident speaking in front of people, and
develop the skills to engage and persuade an audience. Many business professionals lack confidence when
it comes to making presentations but the good news is that effective presentation skills can be learned. In
this course you will learn how to plan and develop an effective presentation by breaking it into its essential
components, map its flow and create appropriate text, graphics and other presentation aids. You will learn
how to assess...
80%Business Communication - Managing Successful Team Meetings
The free online course Business Communication - Managing Successful Team Meetings introduces you to
the communication skills needed for coordinating and managing successful team meetings in the work
place. Team meetings are an essential part of any business or organization: they help progress ongoing
projects with the business; they can facilitate the creation and development of new ideas; they can
highlight and resolve serious problems within a business. Poorly managed team meetings result in
frustrated team members and are a waste of time and resources, whereas successful team meetings result
in motivated team members and bring great benefits...

5. Learning Record
80%Business Communication - Fundamentals of Business Writing
The course Business Communication - Fundamentals of Business Writing introduces you to the theory and
practice of writing in the modern business environment. In this free online course you will be introduced to
the principles of written communication so that you will be able to express your thoughts and ideas through
writing in a clear, concise, and efficient manner. You will see how preparation is key for successful writing
and learn how to use a planning checklist when writing any type of business message. You will also learn
about writing styles and which writing style is most appropriate for business communication. In the modern
business world...
65%Aesop's Fables
Aesop's Fables work their magic by enchanting us with animals that behave like people and events that
could never happen. At the same time, they pass on some essential truths about life, love, war, and
friendship that still hold meaning for us today. In essence, Aesops fables are fables with morals. These
simple truths are summarised in the "moral" of each story. For any adult, it is useful to be
reminded of the ancient wisdom found in Aesop’s Fables. The lessons to be learned are as applicable in the
workplace as they are in our personal lives. The course is also perfect for parents with young children and
teachers of primary school...
100%Understanding the Ebola Virus and How You Can Avoid It
An outbreak of the Ebola virus has occurred in West African countries, and infected individuals have died in
Spain and America. The mortality rate from the Ebola virus is extremely high and an outbreak of the virus
can have serious consequences for the health of individuals who are infected by it, and on the health
resources of communities and countries where the outbreak occurs. This free online health literacy course
from ALISON will explain in clear and simple terms what the Ebola virus is, where the outbreak has
occurred, what the signs and symptoms of an infection are, how an infection is treated, and how to avoid
becoming infected. It also...
63%Human Nutrition - Introduction to Micronutrients
Human Nutrition – Introduction to Micronutrients is a free online course providing an in-depth look into
micronutrients. Micronutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium help prevent and delay various
types of cell damage that may occur in the body so foods containing them are beneficial for our health. This
free course will provide an overview of micronutrients and antioxidants and an insight into their absorption,
metabolism and excretion as well as the effects of their deficiency and toxicity on human health. This free
course will be of great interest to all learners who want a greater understanding about micronutrients, and
will...
90%Job Search Skills - Preparing Your Résumé and Cover Letter
Job Search Skills - Preparing Your Résumé and Cover Letter is a free online course which is designed for
anyone who wants to undertake a job application campaign to successfully acquire a new job. The course
breaks down the job application process, so you can ensure that you can identify and apply for your ideal
job. This course describes ways of identifying your ideal job target by focusing on a specific industry,
function, and geography to ensure that the job will suit your personal requirements. This course also
describes the importance of having a well written résumé and cover letter to demonstrate to any potential
employer that you are...

6. Learning Record
100%Introduction to Job Search Skills
Introduction to Job Search Skills is a free online course which is designed for anyone who is beginning or is
actively involved in a job search. The course covers different scenarios from students looking for
internships or entering the workforce for the first time, to experienced professionals re-entering the
workforce, changing industry/role or relocating. This course breaks down each scenario and describes what
you should do to ensure that you secure your ideal job. You will also be introduced to the Six Step Method
which is a structure with six steps anyone can use to identify the types of jobs they’d like, position
themselves for these...
80%Introduction to Human Nutrition
Introduction to Human Nutrition is a free online course providing a broad insight into the dynamic field of
human nutrition. With the huge rise in diet related illnesses such as obesity, type II diabetes and
cardiovascular disease, we face important choices in terms of diet and nutrition on a daily basis. It is also
important to understand the role nutrition plays in growth and development throughout our lives. This
course will cover various topics from explaining the fundamental nutrients that provide us with the
essential components for our bodies, to the scientific research and practices that are being conducted and
continuously reported to...
85%Introduction to Time Management
Introduction to Time Management is a free online course that will guide you on how to effectively and
efficiently manage your time. Many people feel overwhelmed by the all the demands, distractions and
interruptions of the working day, so time management is a very important skill to have in the modern
workplace. This free online course will offer some suggestions for keeping the tide of external demands at
bay and help you to develop a truly efficient routine and rhythm to your working day. Topics covered
included the benefits of being organised, how to prioritise work and the importance of being in the right
state of mind. This course offers...
83%Diploma in E-Business
Building an effective online presence is critical for growing your business as it gives your company access
to thousands or millions of local, national or international customers who are searching, interacting, sharing
and shopping online. This free online Diploma course will help all business owners increase their knowledge
and understanding of what online marketing involves and how to go about implementing a successful
online marketing strategy. The Diploma will show you how to build an online marketing plan, promote your
business online, and improve your Website landing page for greater customer conversion rates. This
Diploma shows you in detail...
85%Fundamentals of Using Six Sigma in Supply Chains
Supply chain management is the design and management of a supply chain network that delivers high-
quality products to the right customers at the right time at minimum cost. Six Sigma processes are
powerful tools that managers can use to identify and solve supply chain problems. In this free online Six
Sigma course you will be introduced to the basics of supply chain management and how supply chains are
integrated and coordinated networks that deliver business processes to procure raw materials, transform
them into final products or services and deliver the product/service to the customer. You will also learn how
Six Sigma processes can be used...

7. Learning Record
85%E-Commerce - Introduction to Internet Marketing Strategies for Businesses
Before the Internet companies fashioned communication strategies based on whatever medium they had
available to them, whether that was print, radio or TV media, to broadcast their message. Companies now
realise that the Internet is the ideal communication medium for interacting with a wide variety of
stakeholders. They also know that the Internet is not just the Web, but a range of technologies that, in
combination, can provide a potent marketing strategy. In this free online course you will learn about
successful Internet marketing techniques and strategies that are being used today by businesses and
organisations around the world. You will be...
80%Introduction to Information Technology for Managers
A good understanding of Information Technology (IT) is of vital importance for any manager in today’s
modern workplace. Effective management and implementation of IT resources have now become routine
tasks for many middle and senior managers. The impact of IT is constantly changing the structure of
business organisations and new forms of technology can mean new customer relationships and new forms
of commerce. Information is now a major asset to business corporations and information management
affects both daily decision making and the implementation of major strategies within a business. This free
online course introduces the learner to IT...
89%Diploma in Mental Health Studies
It is estimated that one in four adults experience some form of mental health problems during their
lifetime. Therefore, mental health is becoming an increasingly important aspect of health provision in
health systems around the world. Anxiety, depression and severe mental problems affect not only the
individuals concerned but also their families and friends. Mental health problems result in reduced quality
of life and possibly loss of life. It is therefore important to understand mental distress and the ways it can
be treated. ALISON's free mental health diploma course will help you understand mental health and mental
illness, as well as mental...
86%Diploma in Nursing Leadership and Care Management
The essential role of the nurse as caregiver is well recognised but the modern nurse can also be a team
leader and healthcare teacher. This free online nursing course provides an overview of the varied
dimensions associated with the practical nurse as team leader within the healthcare setting. The course
also provides the learner with an overview of the skills, techniques, and approaches required to effectively
treat a diverse range of patients. You will also learn about transcultural nursing and how it addresses the
issues encountered when providing medical care to diverse cultural groups, or those from cultures different
from the nursing professionals....
85%Fundamentals of Quality Standards
The ability to meet International Standards in Quality Management is now a key requirement for most
modern businesses and organisations, particularly in the area of manufacturing and production, and they
have been adopted in over 100 countries. International Standards ensure that consumers can purchase
items from different manufacturers and know those items will perform equally. Well known standards
include the ISO 9000 series, the ISO 14000 series related to environmental performance, the ISO 10000
series, and the QS 9000 series related to the automotive industry. In this free online course you will learn
why these International Standards were...

8. Learning Record
86%Diploma in Quality Management
Quality management is an integral component of many businesses and organizations, both small and large.
Of all quality management system regimes, the ISO 9000 family of standards is probably the most widely
implemented worldwide. ALISON's free online diploma course will introduce you quality management
standards such as ISO 9000 and its specifications and costs. Topics such as ""Cost of
Quality"" and what tools are used in ""Total Quality Management""
(TQM) are covered in more detail. The ""Cost of Quality"" is a term that's widely
used and widely misunderstood. It isn't about the cost...
85%Introduction to Service Quality for Service Industries
Almost two thirds of modern economies are driven by various service industries so it is of vital importance
that quality management practices and procedures be applied to these service industries. This is known as
service quality and any business with high service quality will meet customer needs while remaining
economically competitive. In this free online course you will learn what service quality means and how it
can be applied within service industries. You will learn more about the practices and procedures that can
be used to improve customer satisfaction. Finally, there is a case study of a credit union that reviewed its
customer service...
85%Introduction to Quality Management
Quality management is an integral part of the functioning of many businesses and organisations, both
small and large, around the world. Of all quality management system regimes, the ISO 9000 family of
standards is probably the most widely implemented worldwide. This free online course will introduce the
learner to the whole area of quality management, standards such as ISO 9000 and its specifications and
costs. The course explains Total Quality Management tools and why external benchmarking is used. The
course also reviews service quality management and introduces Six Sigma quality. This course will be of
great interest to all quality management...
85%World History - The Rise of Fascism
The rise of fascism as a political movement during the middle of the 20th century was a key period in the
history of modern Europe as it eventually led to a world war and the division of Europe as part of the Cold
War. The rise of fascism also unleashed an unprecedented attack on minority populations and
communities, in particular the Jewish population of Europe, that resulted in millions of deaths in
concentration camps. In this fascinating free online course you will learn about the rise of the Nazi party led
by Adolf Hitler and how economic chaos in Germany helped propel the party into power. The course then
describes how the Nazi party turned...
95%Tourism - Introduction to Travel Patterns and Destinations
Understanding the travel patterns of tourists and why they choose which destinations they go to is of vital
importance if tourism-focused organisations and businesses are to maximise the financial benefits of the
international travel industry in a particular country or region. In this free online tourism course the learner
will study the travel patterns of tourists and the most common reasons for why people travel. The course
also explains the six main types of pleasure trips and the ways in which holiday resorts can attract tourists.
The priorities of business travellers are also explained as well as the ways in which companies can instil
loyalty...

9. Learning Record
%Global Health Initiative - Hypertension Awareness
ALISON Global Health Initiative is a series of free online courses created to raise public awareness and
understanding of common diseases that affect millions of people worldwide. In this course important
aspects of the hypertension are covered in detail. The course begins by defining what hypertension is, and
important facts and statistics about this medical condition. It then goes on to describe aspects such as
symptoms and risk factors that are associated with the disease and how hypertension can be diagnosed
and prevented. Finally, the course describes how a patient can successfully live with hypertension and how
family, friends and colleagues...
90%Introduction to Financial Instruments in Economics
A financial instrument is a tradable asset of any kind and they are a key component of the modern financial
market system as they allow for efficient flow of capital through the global financial marketplace. In this
free online course you will learn how financial institutions package and trade mortgage backed securities in
financial markets and how collateralized debt obligations function. You will also learn about credit default
swaps and interest rate swaps and their role in financial trading. This course will be of great interest to
professionals in the areas of finance, investments and economics and who like to learn more about the
function...
85%World History - World War 1 and Its Aftermath
World War 1 was a momentous event that resulted not only in the death of millions of soldiers and civilians
but also in the political collapse of European empires and the beginning of the rise of America as a world
power. In this fascinating course on World War 1 history, you will learn about the political alliances between
countries in Europe and how they pitted Britain, France and Russia against Germany and Austro-Hungary.
You will learn about the decisive battles of the First World War on the Western and Eastern fronts and what
eventually led to Germany's defeat. Finally, you will learn about the post-war negotiations and the Treaty of
Versailles....
81%Astronomy - The Wonders of the Big Bang and Our Universe
The Big Bang theory has revolutionized our understanding of how the Universe was formed. It presents the
scientific proof that shows how the Universe expanded from an infinitely small point around 13.7 billion
years ago. In this free online course the learner will discover how scientists calculated when the Big Bang
happened and how the Universe expanded after the Big Bang. The formation of the first atoms is discussed
and how they are responsible for the cosmic background radiation that is found throughout the Universe.
This free online course will be of great interest to students of astronomy and physics and to all learners
who would like to...
80%Introduction to Immunology
Immunology is the study of the immune system. This free online course explains how the human immune
system fights disease and infection. This course is taught through a series of narrated videos. These videos
include illustrations to increase your comprehension of the material. The first section of this course explains
the non-specific immune system. Following this, the role of B-cells and T-cells in the specific immune
system is explained. The final section of the course explains the symptoms and causes of the inflammatory
response. The course is suitable for biology or medicine students that wish to increase their understanding
of immunology....

10. Learning Record
88%Understanding Information Theory
Information has always been with us but with the advent of electrical and digital communication systems,
and in particular the Internet, the quantity of information being generated has increased exponentially. This
free online course is an introduction to information theory and where our ideas about information first
started. It reviews ancient forms of information from cave art up to clay writing tables. It also reviews how
the development of electrical communication systems revolutionised the transmission of information. This
free online course will be of great interest to all IT and communication professionals who are involved in the
area of...
95%E-Commerce Web Strategy
With the growing popularity of e-commerce in today’s world, organizations must learn strategies to attract
and retain online customers to their webpage. They must also tailor their websites to adapt to their
customer’s needs. This free online course introduces the learner to various strategies used by firms and
organizations to attract and retain customers to their e-commerce, the different types of attractors and
attractiveness factors associated with attractors. This course will be of great interest to business
professionals, as well as any learner wanting to expand their knowledge and understanding of effective
web strategies with e-co...
85%Understanding Your Audience: Market Segmentation
Knowing your market accurately and completely is a prerequisite for successful marketing. In this free
online course three important concepts related to the topic of markets are presented: Defining the nature
of markets, identifying the types of markets, and a discussion of product differentiation and market
segmentation. This course will be of great interest to marketing and business professionals who wish to
refresh the basics of marketing and to learners who are interested in business and wish to have a greater
knowledge and understanding of the role marketing plays in the modern business world.
70%Accounting - Measuring and Reporting Inventory
Merchandising retailers and wholesalers use inventory costs to calculate the cost of goods sold as these are
a major expense affecting net income and the balance sheet. In this free online accounting course learners
are brought step-by-step through this process from the physical counting of goods, to the inclusion of costs
such as transport or insurance, to the calculation on the value of the goods thereby connecting the cost of
goods through to retained earnings and the balance sheet. The different methods of apportioning costs to a
stock item, such as FIFO and LIFO, are discussed and topics such as net realization or gross margin are
explained...
90%Global Health Initiative: Diabetes Awareness
ALISON Global Health Initiative is a series of free online courses created to raise public awareness and
understanding of common diseases that affect millions of people worldwide. In this first course important
aspects of the disease diabetes are covered in detail. The course begins by defining what diabetes is, and
lists the three types of diabetes and important facts and statistics about the disease. It then goes on to
describe aspects such as symptoms and risk factors that are associated with the disease and how diabetes
can be diagnosed and prevented. Finally, the course describes how a patient can live with diabetes and
how family, friends...

11. Learning Record
80%Introduction to E-Commerce
Major advances in technology have seen e-commerce becoming extremely viable for business and also
very convenient for consumers. Various topologies and security plans allow producers and consumers to
sell and purchase with ease. This free online course introduces the learner to various topologies used within
e-commerce, the infrastructure required and security needed to make e-commerce possible. This free
online course will be of great interest to business professionals, as well as any learner wanting to expand
their knowledge and understanding of e-commerce.
85%Introduction to Marketing
Marketing is a crucial function in any business or organisation, and is increasingly important in the modern
globalized economy. This free online course will introduce learners to marketing strategies and tools that
are used extensively in the marketing industry. You will learn about the ambiguous nature of marketing and
its different meanings for different businesses. You will also discover the characterizations of marketing
that are common to all businesses, despite their differences. This course will teach you about the different
approaches that affect marketing campaigns used in different types of businesses. This course will be of
great interest...
80%Introduction to Behavioural Finance
Behavioural finance is a new and exciting area in economics that combines the psychology of human
behaviour with the traditional theories of finance and economics. The result is a new explanation of how
modern economics work, such as how markets are affected by the behaviour of investors. In this free online
course you will learn how neoclassical economics defines rational and irrational human behaviour and how
behavioural finance questions these definitions. You will also learn how behavioural finance is questioning
long-held beliefs in economics, such as how individual demand curves can be applied to the market in
general. This course will be...
95%Fundamentals of Systems Design and Implementation
Systems design is a set of procedures performed to convert the logical specification into a design that can
be implemented on the organization’s computer system. Systems implementation is a set of procedures
performed to complete the design contained in the approved systems design document and to test, install,
and begin to use the new or revised Information System. This free online course in Systems Design and
Implementation enables the learner to study the fundamental process of systems design and
implementation and the intermediate steps involved. The course will be of interest to business
professionals who would like to gain a basic knowledge...
80%Instructional Planning for Successful Teaching
Education has goals, purposes and objectives. A vital task in teaching is to know what they are and
transform them into objectives for students. Without these, students may end up confused or frustrated.
This free online course will help you to set goals and plan each goal specifically for your class. Learn how to
set general goals using curriculum frameworks and guides. Use a compromise between the cognitive and
behavioral approach when formulating more specific educational objectives. Learn how to classify different
degrees of generality or specificity in the cognitive, affective or psychomotor domains. This online course
will teach you how...

12. Learning Record
100%Understanding Systems Analysis
Systems analysis is the methodical investigation of a problem and the identification and ranking of
alternative solutions to the problem. Systems analysis is often called structured systems analysis when
certain “structured” tools and techniques, such as Data Flow Diagrams, are used in conducting the
analysis. This free online course in Understanding Systems Analysis enables the learner to study systems
development and analysis and the types of management that are needed when a business is planning on
process re-engineering. The course will be of interest to business professionals who would like to gain a
basic knowledge and understanding...
85%Business Intelligence and Knowledge Management Systems
Business Intelligence is a set of theories and methodologies that handle large amounts of data and
information and assists managers with decision-making. Knowledge management is the process of
capturing, storing, retrieving and distributing the knowledge of the individuals in a business for use by
others in the business to improve the quality and/or efficiency of decision making across the firm. This free
online course in Business Intelligence and Knowledge Management Systems enables the learner to study
information tools used to assist decision-makers and describe the process known as decision-making
including the three steps involved. The course...
80%Motivating Students to Learn
Motivation is the energy that gives behavior direction and focus, and can be understood in a variety of
ways. This free online course will teach you about the different theories on motivation and you will learn
how to create a classroom environment that encourages motivation. One perspective on understanding
motivation is behaviorism, where underlying motives are equated to outward expressions. Other
perspectives are based on cognitive theories, and you will learn how to generate interest in a topic and to
encourage achievement goals that increase motivation. Students’ attributions about the success or failure
of a task also affect their motivation;...
85%Documenting Business Processes and Information Systems
A business process can be visualized with a flowchart as a sequence of activities with interleaving decision
points or with a data flow diagram as a sequence of the system’s components. This free online course in
Documenting Business Processes and Information Systems enables the learner to develop skills in reading
and producing business logic and data work flow diagrams. The student will learn about the sources,
destinations and storage of data, and also how data flows among the components of a flowchart or
diagram. The course will be of interest to business professionals who would like to gain a basic knowledge
and understanding of documenting...
85%Introduction to Information Systems
An Information System is a man-made system that facilitates an organization’s operational functions and
supports management decision making by providing information that managers can use to plan and control
the activities of the firm. This free online course in Information Systems enables the learner to explore the
system’s components, explain elements in the study of Information Systems, identify what a business
process is and explain the features of quality information. The course will be of interest to business
professionals who would like to gain a basic knowledge and understanding of Information Systems.

13. Learning Record
85%Effective Communication Techniques for Teachers
Communication in classrooms is more complex and unpredictable than in many other situations. As a
teacher, understanding the unique features and functions of communication in the classroom is very
important. This free online course will help you to discover these functions, and how they impact on each
individual in the classroom. It will teach you how classroom communication serves a mixture of three
purposes at once: content talk, procedural talk, and behavior control talk. Learn how to recognize different
elements of communication, not only the verbal but also the non-verbal and the unintended. Understand
that to be effective in non-verbal communication...
96%Diploma in Food Safety
Food safety is extremely important to businesses of any size which handle food. Through ALISON's free
food handlers certificate online course, you will learn the systems and procedures necessary to maintain a
top quality food business. From staff hygiene practices to maintaining a stringent pest prevention system,
this course will ensure that you have the knowledge necessary to manage a hygienic food service
operation. You are first introduced to food safety topics such as water quality, pest control measures, food
service accidents and incident management. The course then reviews a case study on how to handle food
safely in the food service industry.This...
90%Food Safety Training - Safe Practices and Procedures
Having a good sanitation and safety program is vital to any food service operation, big or small. This is a
follow-on course from our basic level requirements course and will help you understand different aspects of
food safety and sanitation. It will teach you different programs that can be brought into effect within your
operation. From individual cleanliness guidelines that are applicable to everyone within the sanitation and
safety operation, to the imperative role the manager plays in the operation, this free online course will
quickly ensure that your food service operation will have a reputation for good cleanliness and sanitation.
This...
95%Mental Health Studies - Suicide, Violent Behavior and Substance Abuse
Care for mental health is becoming an increasingly important aspect of health provision in health systems
around the world. In this free online course the learner is introduced to areas of mental health where the
activities, actions or habits of patients endanger their health, welfare and often impact the environment
and society they are part of. The course introduces the learner to suicide and preventative treatment
measures, how to manage violent patients and outlines the complex area of substance abuse. This free
online learning course will be of great interest to healthcare professionals or those interested in the field of
mental health, counselling,...
88%Diploma in Customer Service
Providing excellent customer service is essential to the long-term viability of every business. ALISON's free
online Diploma in Customer Service course introduces the fundamental elements of customer service and
explains how they can be applied in any organization. Following this, it describes how a business can
develop its customer service program to the highest level. ALISON's customer service certification course
also details the role of customer service in the hospitality industry, the retail industry and the public sector.
These sections explain the elements of customer service that should be focused on in these sectors. This
free online...

14. Learning Record
90%Mental Health Studies - Understanding Behaviour, Burnout and Depression
Mental Health wellness is essential to ensuring homeostasis and equilibrium of body and mind, so
individuals can enjoy sustainable health and wellness free from disease and disorders. Our globalised world
and highly technological environments have created many challenges and complexities that adversely
impact health and wellness levels in our daily lives. These developments have generated an increased
awareness of the vital importance of mental as well as physical healthcare in our professional and personal
life to cope and adapt to new and constantly changing personal, social and societal dynamics. This free
online mental health studies course...
93%Understanding Fixed, Variable and Marginal Costs in Economics
Fixed cost, variable cost and marginal cost are very important concepts to understand in economics. Fixed
costs are business expenses and are often time-related such as salaries and rents which are paid on a
monthly basis. Variable costs are expenses related to business activity and change in proportion to an
increase or decrease in this activity. Marginal cost is the change in total cost that arises when the quantity
of goods produced increases by one unit. It is a measure of the cost of producing one additional unit. This
free online economics course explains in a simple and clear manner the concepts behind fixed, variable and
marginal costs...
86%Laws of Supply and Demand
Supply and demand in a market economy is one the most fundamental concepts in economics. Demand
refers to the quantity of a product or service that is demanded by consumers. Supply refers to how much of
the product or service the market can offer. The price of a good or service is greatly influenced by supply
and demand and will usually settle at a point where the quantity demanded by consumers will equal the
quantity supplied by producers. This free online economics course will review in detail the laws of supply
and demand, how they operate in a market economy and how they determine the price of goods and
services. The course outlines factors...
48%Understanding Student Development and Diversity
Student development and student diversity need to be studied and understood simultaneously. While there
are general similarities between students, ultimately every student develops in a different way depending
on a variety of social, cognitive, cultural and gender-related factors. This course aims to further your
understanding of student development and diversity. The course discusses physical, cognitive, social and
moral development of students in detail. Key development theories are examined and practical classroom
examples are supplied to engage the learner. Vital information about student diversity is also presented. It
zones in on two core...
88%Diploma in Educational Psychology
Educational psychology is concerned with how students learn and develop. It emphasizes trends in
educational development while also focusing on educational diversity. For teachers and trainers to fulfil
their instructional role most effectively, their teaching methods must be grounded in educational
psychology. Educational psychology provides a framework for teachers and trainers to plan, create and
deliver effective lessons, and assess each student's learning. In this free online course, you will explore the
topic of educational psychology in detail. Key development theories related to the learning process are
examined and practical classroom...

15. Learning Record
85%Nursing Studies - The Nurse as Team Leader and Teacher
The essential role of nurse as caregiver is well recognised but the modern nurse can also be a team leader
and healthcare teacher. This free online nursing course provides an overview of the varied dimensions
associated with the practical nurse as team leader within the healthcare setting. The course defines team
nursing as well as reviewing the types of leadership styles employed and their impact on team performance
and productivity levels. Additionally, the learner is introduced to the practical nurse as teacher within the
healthcare setting. Key elements of the course encompass teaching and learning strategies, factors which
affect learning...
90%Understanding Monopolies in a Market Economy
A monopoly exists when one particular business is the only supplier of a commodity or service within any
particular sector of the economy. This is a very important concept to understand as to monopolize a market
means that a business has significant market power and can charge higher prices. In this free online
economics course you will learn about the characteristics of a monopoly, when monopolies might occur,
and the economic and financial implications of a business having a monopoly in a particular commodity or
service sector. You will learn how monopolies optimize prices. Concepts such as total revenue, marginal
revenue, and dead weight loss...
100%Yoga Exercises for Core Strength and Flexibility
For learners who have completed the free online introductory yoga course titled "Yoga for a Healthier
Lifestyle" available on ALISON, this new yoga course will be a welcome follow-up as it teaches you
new yoga exercises and techniques that will help you improve your core strength and flexibility. This free
online yoga course teaches you in a step-by-step manner more advanced yoga techniques such as how to
fine tune your bodily alignment, improve your balance and posture, yoga techniques for the neck, hips and
lower back, and very important breathing techniques for inner calm and stress relief. This free online yoga
course will be of...
100%Working with Students with Special Educational Needs
Special education addresses the individual differences and requirements of students with special
educational needs. As a teacher or trainer, working with students with special educational needs requires
specific skills and strategies to create and deliver effective programs. ALISON's free online education
course serves as an introduction to the field of special education. The course begins by outlining core
elements of special education, including the change in educational legalization in recent years with
particular emphasis on legislation in the United States. The responsibilities of teachers and trainers are also
detailed, along with the individual...
80%Nursing Studies - Diet Therapy
A healthy diet is fundamental to sustaining life, supporting vital body functions and maintaining a disease
free body. Correct dietary combinations are also necessary in supporting the patient’s healing and recovery
process. This free online nursing studies course provides the learner with an overview of the key elements
in diet therapy. The module Factors Influencing Diet introduces the learner to the intrinsic and extrinsic
factors impacting the patient’s diet. The range of lifestyle, cultural and religious factors influencing diet and
diet choice are reviewed and the resulting health implications for the patient are outlined. The module...

16. Learning Record
84%Introduction to the Learning Process for Teachers and Trainers
For teachers and trainers to fulfil their instructional role most effectively, their teaching methods must be
grounded in educational learning theory. Understanding the learning process is a key element of
educational learning theory and provides a framework for teachers and trainers to plan, create and deliver
effective lessons, and assess each student's learning. In this free online education course, you will be
introduced to the learning process. The course begins by differentiating between teaching and learning,
and by describing teachers’ and trainers’ perspectives on learning. The course provides details about two
major learning theories:...
87%Fundamentals of American Civics
With each American Presidential election there is always great interest in both the U.S. and around the
world in how the American political system actually nominates candidates who run for the positions of
President and Vice President, and how a President is elected. In this free online American civics course you
will be introduced to the process of primary elections and/or caucuses that are held in each U.S state and
territory, and are an integral part of the nominating process for the Presidential election. You will also learn
about the Electoral College sytem which is an institution that officially elects the President and Vice
President every...
80%Aggregate Supply and Demand
Aggregate supply and demand are key concepts in macroeconomics as they help economists interpret
events in the past to help predict the future. The aggregate supply curve model demonstrates the
relationship between the overall price level of a country and the quantity of goods and services produced
by the suppliers of that country, whereas the aggregate demand curve model demonstrates the quantity of
goods and services produced domestically that consumers, businesses, the government and foreigners are
willing to purchase during a particular period of time. This free online economics course first introduces the
learner to the business cycle to...
83%Nursing Studies - The Physical Examination
In order for the nursing professional to devise a correct, accurate and effective care plan for their patients,
it is necessary to perform a series of medical tests and evaluations. This free online nursing studies course
provides the learner with an overview of the vital role of the nursing professional in supporting both the
Patient and Physician along with the procedures and techniques applied when performing the Physical
Examination, the Physical Assessment, Specimen Collection and measurement of Patient Vital Signs to
ensure accurate patient diagnosis and corresponding care plan. The learner will first gain an overview of
the systematic approach...
100%Fiscal and Monetary Policies
Fiscal and monetary policies are two strategies used to direct a country's economic goals. Fiscal policy
involves the government and how it uses revenue and expenditure to influence a country's economy.
Monetary policy is implemented by the central bank of a country and is used to influence that country's
money supply. Fiscal and monetary policies are very important concepts to understand in economics as
they can have profound effects on the lives and livelihoods of a country's entire population. In this free
online economics course you will gain a thorough knowledge and understanding of the economic concepts
behind both fiscal and monetary policies...

17. Learning Record
92%Introduction to Gross Domestic Product
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a very important topic to understand in economics. It measures the
monetary value of final goods and services of a country within a given time period and is a key metric
which can be used to gauge a country's standard of living. In this free online economics course you will
start by learning about the circular flow of money in an economy. The components of Gross Domestic
Product are then identified and explained in terms of how different expenditure is categorised. A single
Gross Domestic Product figure gives very little information so you will learn how to look at it in relation to
past history by using Price Indexing...
100%Health Guidelines for Avoiding Infectious Diseases
Every year millions of people in the developing world fall ill or die from infectious diseases due to lack of
awareness of basic health guidelines and practices. In this free online healthcare course you will learn
about guidelines for avoiding various infectious diseases such as cholera, malaria, and tuberculosis, as well
as guidelines for treating the resulting symptoms like diarrhoea. These guidelines include why it is so
important to keep individuals and family members clean in order to avoid germs and infections. This course
will provide healthcare and aid workers in developing countries with practical knowledge of these diseases
and how...
83%Nursing Studies - Health and Safety, Movement and Exercise
Ensuring adequate health and safety is vital in the healthcare setting to prevent the spread of pathogens
and to protect both the nursing professional and their patients. This free online nursing course provides the
learner with an overview of important health and safety guidelines that aid in the prevention and
transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and blood-borne pathogens. Other key elements of the
course focus on good body mechanics that demonstrate the importance of correct posture and body
alignment for lifting heavy objects or when moving patients or materials from one location to another.
Ambulating the patient is one of the tasks...
100%Fundamentals of Virology
A virus is a small infectious particle which can only replicate inside the cells of a living organism. Most
viruses are harmless to humans, some are infectious and make us ill for a short period of time such as the
flu virus, but some are highly infectious and can be deadly such as the Ebola virus. The study of viruses is
called virology and is a very important scientific discipline. In this free online virology course you will be
introduced to the fundamentals of virology. You will learn the basics of what a virus is and how it attaches
to and replicates within cells. You will study the infectious cycle of a virus and how it uses the DNA
replication...
89%Nursing Studies - Patient Care and Hygiene
The daily responsibility for protecting the patient from additional injury or illness rests with the nursing
team. Following on from the Introduction to Nursing Studies course, the learner is now introduced to the
essential elements of adult patient care. This free online nursing course provides an overview of the skills
and techniques required in areas such as advanced patient hygiene procedures, environmental health and
safety awareness for the practice nurse, and how to ensure patient safety and comfort in the adult care
setting. Advanced principles of hygiene provides the learner with an overview of the functions, methods
and techniques applied...

18. Learning Record
100%Nursing Studies - Communication and Transcultural Factors
Nursing is a very important profession within the health care sector. The nursing profession focuses on the
quality care of sick individuals within hospital settings and also on the care of individuals and families
within society. This free online nursing course provides the learner with an overview of the skills,
techniques, and approaches required to effectively treat a diverse range of patients. Key elements of the
course introduce the learner to aspects and concepts of health, communication techniques and methods
used to establish a patient’s basic needs to ensure the necessary care is provided. You will learn about the
patient’s reaction...
88%Fundamentals of Storytelling in Education for Teachers and Trainers
Storytelling is one of the oldest forms of oral communication and plays a very important role in education,
particularly for younger children. Teachers and trainers who incorporate storytelling into their repertoire of
teaching skills can enhance student engagement with almost any subject. In this free online course you will
learn about storytelling as a way of organizing information, conveying emotions, and building a sense of
community. You will learn how effective storytelling can lead to an altered state of consciousness that
deepens the relationship between teacher and students. Three stories are told that illustrate the theoretical
model...
80%Employer - Employee Law
In commercial law, the law of agency is a very important concept to understand as it deals with contractual,
quasi-contractual and non-contractual relationships. This usually involves a person, called the agent, who
can act on behalf of another person, called the principal, to form a legal relationship with third parties. In
this free online law of agency course, you will learn about the relationship between the agent and principal
and how the principal gives authority to the agent to act on their behalf. You will gain a better
understanding of the three types of authority a principal can give to an agent - actual authority, apparent
authority...
100%Introduction to Contracts in Law
Contracts are agreements entered into by two parties with the intention of creating a legal obligation and
contracts in law are very important and serious documents. Yet many individuals or business owners do not
fully understand the implications of signing a contract or breaching a contract. This free online course
reviews the elements which make up a contract and reviews a scenario about how a contract can be
breached if one or more of the parties involved do not fulfil their part of the agreement. Resolving broken
contracts in the form of damages is also discussed. This course will be of interest to business professionals
who, for example,...
80%Knowing the Difference between an Idea and an Opportunity
Building a successful business demands lots of qualities in an entrepreneur. Examples are the skill to see
and recognise where improvements can be made, and knowing when help is needed to look after certain
aspects of a business. In this free online course, Tom Byers, a professor at Stanford University, sets out to
distinguish between good and not so good entrepreneurs based on the decisions or principles they adhered
to during the initial growth phase of their start-up companies. In particular, he reviews the importance of
being able to distinguish between an idea and an opportunity. Entrepreneurs generate many ideas but only
some become real...

19. Learning Record
97%Fundamentals of Marketing Your Business Online
In the current difficult economic times businesses need to take advantage of every opportunity to maximise
their marketing presence to as many potential customers as is possible. The most efficient way of doing
this is to implement a highly effective online marketing strategy. However, many businesses, especially
small businesses, struggle to implement any kind of online marketing as they do not have the expertise.
This free online course will help all business owners increase their knowledge and understanding of what
online marketing involves and how to go about implementing a successful online marketing strategy. The
course will show you how...
100%Introducing the Five Archetypes of Organizational Culture
In today’s difficult economic times businesses and organizations are busy trying to just carve a niche for
themselves in the market place. Many business leaders and managers lack the time, finance or motivation
to consider developing and maintaining a work place culture. In this free online course Andy Freire, co-
founder and CEO of Axialent, discusses the five archetypes of culture within an organization and why they
are important to develop and grow in any business or organization. These five cultural archetypes are:
Customer-focused culture; One-team culture; Innovation culture; Achievement culture; and People-first
culture. He explains that...
100%Inflation in Modern Economies
The rate of inflation and whether it has gone up or gone down is reported on a daily basis across the media.
Many people don't realise the significance of or the role inflation plays in shaping modern economies, and
the effects or impact it can have on our daily lives. With an ever increasing interest in economics, knowing
the exact meaning and role of inflation, deflation and even hyperinflation have become discussion points
for the average lay person. In this free online course, you will learn about inflation and its role in shaping
modern economies, how inflation comes about from prices rising to a fall in the supply and demand on
common goods...
100%Transferring Big Company Culture to Startups
Dominic Orr, CEO from Aruba Networks, started up a small company in a market which was dominated by
the likes of CISCO Networks. It was a daunting task bringing his own product to market in competition with
such a huge giant of technology. In this free online course Dominic reveals what drove him to follow his
passion and see it through to execution. He reviews the fundamental characteristics and support systems
needed to bring a small startup business to where Aruba Networks is today. He discusses how it was
necessary to bring big company culture and attitudes to his start-up business to maximise productivity
from his team of employees so that...
100%Creating a Need for Your Product
AgraQuest is a company which developed a groundbreaking bio-pesticide that changed the way food is
cultivated using pesticides and was a revolution in growing safer food for consumers. In this free online
course Pam Marrone, founder of AgraQuest, discusses about how she guided AgraQuest to be today’s
leader in bio-pesticides. With her savvy business sense, we learn how Pam pioneered a huge turnaround in
marketing the AgraQuest product to capture a niche in the pesticide market. We learn the key factors
which brought about the formation of AgraQuest and what changes were made in the pesticide market to
convince farmers that they needed to make...

20. Learning Record
80%Understanding the Success of Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley is an area located near San Francisco in California that is the headquarters for many world
leading high-tech companies such as Apple, Google, Adobe Systems, eBay and Cisco to name just a few.
Why has Silicon Valley this concentration of world-class companies? In this free online course John Roos of
Wilson and Sonsini discusses what Silicon Valley stands for and why today it attracts so many leading
entrepreneurs in technology, life sciences and high-potential start-up companies. The course reviews the
core values upon which the success of Silicon Valley is based and which companies located there still value
so highly today. John...
100%Introducing the Art of Negotiation
The ability to negotiate effectively is an art form which many of us are not confident in doing. Formal
negotiations are however, a vital part of communication across various sectors from business to politics. In
this free online course, Stan Christensen, co-founder of Arbor Advisors, discusses the art of negotiation and
the skills and techniques required to be persuasive in a positive manner. You will also learn why the skill of
really listening is of vital importance when meeting goals at the negotiation table and he explains the
lessons he learned during his time as a professional mediator. This free negotiating course will be of
interest to...
90%Introduction to Instructional Systems Design
Instructional Systems Design is the process of designing and developing instructional courses or materials
that bring greater efficiency and effectiveness to acquiring knowledge or skills for learners. This free online
course in Instructional Systems Design reviews important aspects such as learning theories and learning
objectives and how they influence the design process. It also reviews the role of memory, needs analysis,
and design models such as ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation).
Robert Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction are also discussed with examples of their application and use.
Finally, learning technologies...
100%Staying Close to the Customer
Yahoo is a very popular Web site but, with strong competition for products and services coming from others
like Google and Facebook, Yahoo as an organisation faces severe challenges in being more competitive in
the advertising market. In this free online course Sue Decker, the CEO of Yahoo from 2008 to 2009,
discusses how the founders of Yahoo focused on the needs of its customers by developing a hierarchal
database structure for faster and more efficient searches making life easier for the customer. The course
also looks at how internal structuring of the sales force was implemented to improve customer service,
where the gap in monetising search...
80%Why Risk is Necessary for Business Growth
Peter Diamondis of the X Prize foundation tells the story of his path to entrepreneurship, the skills required
to make a successful business and the importance of following your passion in life. In this free online
business course we get to hear him discuss where the idea came from to create the X Prize foundation, the
risks he took to make it a success and why it remains a success today. He discusses X Prize's core values
and beliefs, the hardships crossed in financing the business and the lessons learned in each risk taken to
grow the business. This free online course will be of interest to business and marketing professionals, and
budding entrepreneurs...

21. Learning Record
90%Three Facets of Business - The Endeavor Way
Endeavor is a global leader in guiding entrepreneurs around the world to create and develop business and
economic growth in their own countries. Endeavor consists of entrepreneurs who want to give back to the
world their knowledge and expertise to those in business who lack the same opportunities to grow. In this
free online course the chairman of Endeavor, Edgar Bronfman, discusses the mission of Endeavor, why it
was started, and how it can be implemented worldwide. You will learn about Endeavor's core values and
beliefs, and how they can help entrepreneurs overcome obstacles that they encounter. This course will be
of interest to entrepreneurs...
91%Developing a Business Model for a Digital Media Company
Developing a successful business model is something that takes skill and considerable business acumen
and cannot be achieved overnight. Entrepreneurs have to take into account resources, onsite expertise,
and importantly, drive and diligence of both management and employees. In this free online business
course, you will get an insight into the business model used in SlideShare, a digital media company based
in Silicon Valley. Jonathan Boutelle and Rashmi Sinha from SlideShare discuss the learning curve that was
needed in order for them to implement their strategies and achieve their goals so that their business model
became a success. They also...
83%Introduction to Common Medical Conditions
Advances in medicine are occurring all the time and medical and scientific research continues to reveal
both how the human body functions normally and what happens during a diseased state. This free online
medical course discusses some of the most common medical conditions and is an overview for the average
lay person who wishes to find out more about these medical conditions. The course examines topics such
as cancer, meningitis and how our endocrine system works. It also reviews aspects of diabetes, spinal
injuries and much more. The course gives an insight into how the body works and how medical
professionals diagnose ailments or injuries....
80%Introduction to Manufacturing Processes
Manufacturing industries are a vital component of all modern economies and all of them require employees
who are skilled - in and knowledgeable about - manufacturing processes. This Introduction to Manufacturing
Processes will give you a detailed understanding of processes such as casting, forming, cutting and joining.
It will review aspects of surface and optical materials engineering as well as examine a number of case
studies related to these processes. The course is ideal for employees in manufacturing industries or
business, professionals who want to learn more about this type of work, and anyone who might be seeking
a job or career in a...
86%Understanding the Computer Game Development Business
The computer gaming industry has grown exponentially over the last 20 years and with this growth has
come business and technical innovation on a scale never before imagined. EA Games is one of the largest
game development companies in the world and is responsible for some of the major games such as James
Bond and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. In this free online course we get an insight into the workings of EA
Games as a company, how they manage their creative processes as well as their marketing strategies. The
course also reviews their organisational structure, intellectual property, potential growth sectors and the
future of online games....

22. Learning Record
80%Developing a Global Online Enterprise
eBay is now a household name as during the past decade it has become the world’s leading online
marketplace. eBay allows anyone sit in their living room and buy and sell for their pleasure or as a
business. In this free online course we get an insight into the workings of how eBay was born as a
company, how they managed the creative processes as well as their marketing strategies. Along with eBay
there is also a discussion about PayPal, created by the team at eBay to function as their payment scheme
for customers but which is now the world’s leading online payments company. The course also reviews
their acquisitions projects, the successes...
80%Healthcare Policy in America
The aim of healthcare policy is to ensure that people are taken care of when they are ill or injured. How
healthcare is administered in different countries varies depending on the number and quality of hospitals,
doctors and medical equipment available. Budgets for drug development and the role of insurance
companies in paying and administering care for patients are also of importance. This free online course
gives an overview of healthcare policy in the US and how its healthcare system is managed. This free
healthcare course reviews costs in the US compared to Europe and how doctors are paid in the US. It also
gives an overview of drugs costs,...
80%Product Design
Product design is the process whereby product designers conceptualize and evaluate ideas before turning
them into products ready to be sold by a business to its customers. This free online course introduces the
principles and concepts of product design. You will learn about heuristic problem-solving, the usefulness of
design models, taking the design from concept to prototype, and understanding the product design
specification. The free course also looks at case studies in design and innovation. It will be of great interest
to design and business professionals who would like to learn more about product design and its role in
business development,...
80%Creating Meaning for Employees
Janice Fraser is CEO and co-founder of Adaptive Path, an experience design consultancy firm based in San
Francisco, California and Austin, Texas. Janice is an experienced entrepreneur and in this free online course
she talks in detail about how important the culture of a business is for the success of that business. She
emphasises that a productive culture is one where managers create meaning for their employees. By
promoting a business culture that employees can buy into they will become more motivated and work more
passionately to make the business a success. Janice believes that alignment is the key factor underlying
everything we do. In a...
100%Understanding Your Customers to Drive Sales
Tien Tzuo is Chief Strategy Officer with Salesforce.com, and in this free online course he discusses why
businesses must move their marketing strategy away from direct-marketing campaigns to online
marketing. For online marketing to work he explains why businesses must understand how the 21st century
customer learns about new products or services online through online buzz, online PR, and online
dialogues. He explains that when designing a complex product, a business should create a layered product
that allow customers choose how complex the functionality of the product should be, and that in the
modern marketplace businesses must serve the customer...

23. Learning Record
93%Modern Economics
Following the recent global financial crisis there has been a huge increase in people seeking to learn about
how economies and modern economic systems work. People now realise that economic decisions taken in
one country can dramatically affect the economies of other countries around the world. This free online
course examines in detail economic concepts and principles such as Capacity Utilization Rate, Return on
Assets, Gross profits, Cost of Goods Sold, Earnings Before Interest and Taxes, Breakeven point, Aggregate
Capacity, Aggregate Demand, and Aggregate Utilization. The course also looks at the rise of the Chinese
economy and how it affects...
88%Introduction to Copyright Law in America
With the wide-spread use of the Internet copyright has become a very important issue for publishers of
books, music, software, films, television programmes and many other industries. This free online course is
an introduction to copyright law as practised in the United States, however, the principles and concepts will
be of interest to legal professionals in other jurisdictions. The course reviews the structure of copyright
under federal law, the basics of legal research and legal citations. It examines copyright and its applications
in the music and broadcasting industries, and looks at legal cases involving examples such as Napster,
Grokster...
90%Why Entrepreneurs Should Think Big
Donna Novitsky has many years of experience as both an entrepreneur and venture capitalist. She is CEO
of Big Tent Design and was formerly venture capitalist at Mohr Davidow Ventures. Her motto is “Go big or
don’t go!” and this has driven her work as both entrepreneur and venture capitalist. In this course, you can
listen to Donna Novitsky as she explains why entrepreneurs should think big when they are investing so
much of their time, energy and passion into creating a business. She also explains how to differentiate
between the roles of entrepreneurs and venture capitalists in areas such as business strategy and
execution, technology and...
100%Discovering and Meeting Market Needs
This course is presented by professional marketer Kate Rodan, co-founder of Proactive Solution, a health-
science company dedicated to researching and developing products for dermatological and skincare
problems. In this free online course, she talks about how the company strategically goes about researching
and developing new products. The example for the course is researching a market need for dermatological
problems such as skin acne that are not being met by existing products. Kate discusses the value of
effective market research and the benefits of using market research techniques such as customer surveys.
She demonstrates how infomercials...
100%Fundamentals of Incoterms
The word 'Incoterms' is derived from International Commercial terms, which are a series of three-letter
terms related to common sales practices published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). The
main aim of Incoterms is to define the tasks, costs and risks associated with the transportation and delivery
of products and goods. This free online course has been created by Procurement Academy, an institute
dedicated to training procurement professionals. In this course you will learn about Incoterms, their
definitions and classification, and their use by procurement professionals. You will also learn about the role
of the buyer during the...

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80%Think Big and Act Small: Vinod Khosla on Start-Ups
Vinod Khosla grew up dreaming of being an entrepreneur and in 2004, he formed Khosla Ventures which
offers start-up assistance, strategic advice and financial backing to entrepreneurs. The firm helps
entrepreneurs extend the potential of their ideas in both traditional areas like the Internet, computing,
mobile, and silicon technology, and also supports clean technology areas such as bio-refineries for energy
and bio-plastics, solar, battery and other environmentally friendly technologies. In this free online course he
explains how his ambition in life from a young age was to be an entrepreneur but how he had to learn from
failure early on in...
100%How to Plan Your Career Path
Stan Christensen is a partner at Arbor Advisors, an investment banking firm where he negotiates on behalf
of mid-market technology companies. He has nearly twenty years of experience in both transactional and
operations roles and has worked on hundreds of transactions. In this free online course he advises doing as
much informational interviewing as you can to ensure you pick a career path that you will enjoy and be a
good fit for your interests. He says that when you are planning a career not to be overly concerned with a
linear path, if you are savvy and wilful you can work your way into most careers. He outlines a few of the
erroneous career...
67%Fundraising for the Non-Profit
Christine Benninger was president of the Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) for 17 years. HSSV is an
independent, non-profit animal shelter that provides high-quality adoptions, medical services, education
programs and pet care services in Santa Clara County, California. When she joined the organisation it was
in a dire state and this led to her quickly implementing a six-month plan to keep the organisation afloat. In
this free online course she talks about fundraising which is a crucial component of a non-profit enterprise’s
success. She also discusses how to find the right people, how to separate what she calls the missionaries
from the...
100%Achieving Personal Success
Tom Kelley is the highly respected general manager of IDEO, a firm that helps its clients create innovative
products, services and environments. He is also the author of best-selling books on creativity. In ALISON's
free online course about achieving personal success, Kelley starts by explaining how achieving personal
success depends on implementing good, healthy mental habits. The course explains how you should treat
life as an experiment, how you should be willing to fail and learn from your mistakes. Kelley advises that
you should have confidence in what you know well, but realize that you have a lot more to learn and that
you must keep yourself...
89%Rethinking the Product Development Process
This free online course features Steve Blank who is a serial entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience
in high technology companies and management. He is also a Consulting Professor at Stanford in the
Graduate School of Engineering. In this course he discusses rethinking the product development model so
that early stage companies can reduce their overall exposure to risk. You will learn that most start-ups fail
because they don’t target the right market or the right customer. Steve Blank explains the customer
development process and how successful businesses seek out real customers, ask for their feedback and
analyse and fix any problems...

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90%Critical Skills for Entrepreneurs
Jerry Kaplan is widely known in the computer industry as a serial entrepreneur, executive, technical
innovator and author. In this free online course he explains what the best qualities of serial entrepreneurs
are and the five biggest mistakes that entrepreneurs make. He discusses the five critical skills that
entrepreneurs need: leadership, communication, decision-making, being a team player and the ability to
telescope. He explains the vital importance of sales skills and recruiting people to sell for you. This course
will show you how the timing of an idea is very important and why it is very difficult to call. Kaplan shares
his advice on the...
80%What Great Leaders Do
In this free online course Professor Bob Sutton reveals the successful habits of well respected leaders, and
outlines the type of habits practised by those who fail to lead. He points out that when people move into
positions of power, they can easily loose sight of the needs of those they lead. In this course you will learn
what the hallmarks of great leaders are, how leaders need to hear the truth and how to deal with team
disagreements. You will learn about rotten apples and how they must be removed for the health and
longevity of a team. He also explains the best way to "wage war" with an ineffective leader.
This course will be of...
100%Creating Business Start-Ups The Kawasaki Way
Guy Kawasaki is best known as “chief evangelist” of Apple. In this free online course he gives important
lessons about entrepreneurship. He explains why he thinks that the most successful companies will be
those that aim to create a positive change in society. He explains how to make meaning in your company
so that you can make a difference. You will learn about mantras, getting going, defining a business model
and creating a niche for your company. He also recommends that you hire “infected” people, people who
love the product or service. You will also learn about lowering barriers to adoption, approaching sales and
how to become a “mensch”....
100%Yoga Exercises
Yoga is an exercise system used by millions of people around the world to gain a healthier lifestyle. In this
free online course, Dashama, who is an innovator in the field of yoga, mind/body transformation and
healing, will guide you to a deeper understanding of yourself through yoga, teaching you a powerful system
to access a healthier physical and mental state of wellbeing. This course will be of great interest to all
learners who would like to learn the basics of yoga and to learn how to gain a healthier and more energetic
lifestyle.
90%Developing Business Ideas The Google Way
Marissa Mayer has led product management efforts at Google as Google's Vice President of Search
Products & User Experience products. Her responsibilities cover such products as Google Search,
Gmail, Google Chrome and Google Labs. She believes that ideas for new products can come from every
employee and department within an organisation, and also from end users of the product or service. In this
free online course, Marissa explains how Google’s open culture and flat management of the organisation
encourages creativity and brilliant ideas. She explains how Google sets asides 20 per cent of each
employee’s time for creative projects and how...

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85%Characteristics of the Successful Entrepreneur
Jeff Hawkins is the co-founder of Palm and Handspring and is the architect of many computing products
such as the PalmPilot and the Treo smartphone. In this course he will take you on a journey through his
career, how he became an entrepreneur and the importance of believing in your product. He teaches
valuable lessons about the importance of experience, following your passions and how to keep a work/life
balance. He discusses how to design successful products, the role of market research and the need to
continuously test products. In terms of the company workplace, he talks about how a good business culture
and a strong human resources policy...
93%Fundamentals of Business Law
This course reviews important principles found in business law. These principles include details on sole
proprietorship, general partnerships, limited partnerships and incorporations. This course explains
principles of business law in a clear and easy to understand way. The course also covers topics such as
legal requirements, legal recommendations, financial status, taxation, and liability related to these
principles. This free online course will be of interest to business professionals and students of law who
would like a greater knowledge and understanding of laws relating to business and commerce.
87%Google Applications for Business
Google enterprise products make businesses and their users more productive by combining the ease of use
of Google's consumer products with the features, security and support that a company or organization
requires. This course will outline four features of Google’s enterprise products that are aimed at reducing
costs and improving employee efficiency and productivity; Google Analytics, Google AdSense, Google Apps
and Google Docs. Google Analytics gives you access to an abundance of data. You can see where your
visitors are coming from, what content is popular and are your goals being converted. Google AdSense is a
program run by Google that...
92%Diploma in Children's Studies
Children from birth to the age of 18 are now considered academically to represent a distinct sociological
and cultural class. This means that children are studied as complete individuals in their own right, separate
and distinct from adults.ALISON's free online course is multi-disciplinary in nature, covering developmental,
psychological, familial and sociological aspects of children's studies. It begins by reviewing the
psychological development of children and how they learn, then looks at the role of the family and the
place of the child within modern family structures.The sociological aspects of children’s studies review how
the modern state...
83%Fundamentals of Childhood and Youth Studies
This free online course was developed in response to the emerging importance of children and youth in
international development policy. The course will give the learner a comprehensive understanding and
knowledge of development from the early years right through to adolescence. The course will deal with
questions such as: What makes young people tick? What shapes and influences a child's development?
How can the adults who work with children support them more effectively? After completion of the course,
learners will be familiar with the major theories on the development of children. This course will be of great
interest to professionals already...

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100%Exploring Architecture, Buildings and Monuments Through the Ages
Humans have been designing and building monuments and buildings of all types and sizes from the dawn
of civilisation to the extent that the built environment reflects a people's cultural, religious and political
beliefs and characteristics. This free online course reviews early buildings and monuments from the Roman
Empire through to the Middle Ages. It looks at examples such as Renaissance and Baroque architecture and
well-known examples of 19th and 20th century buildings. Works by famous architects such as Brunelleschi,
Bernini, Solomon Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe are also reviewed. This course will be of interest to
architecture and...
83%Mental Health and Illness
One in four adults experience some form of mental health problems at some point in their lives. Anxiety,
depression and severe mental problems such as schizophrenia affect not only the individuals concerned but
also their families and friends. Mental health problems result in reduced quality of life and possibly loss of
life. It is therefore important to understand mental distress and the ways it can be treated. This free course
will help you understand mental health and mental illness, mental health practise and care in the
community. It will tackle the issues of stigma and discrimination in mental health, explain why the
promotion of mental...
77%Caring in the Health Professions
Care relationships within health professions are of great importance and hold a lot of meaning for both the
provider and recipient. This free online course will give you a comprehensive understanding and knowledge
of care relationships within health professions. The course covers the issue of care relationships in a variety
of situations and contexts. Some of the areas covered include: caring in a hospital setting, caring for the
elderly and disabled in residential care, hospice care and care as a family affair. Topics such as the limits
and boundaries of care, community care, the meaning of home, care transactions, and care of those who
are at...
63%Smarter Learning - Improve Your Study Skills and Practices
Starting a new course can be daunting as we can often doubt our ability and skills in learning. Fortunately,
learning can be improved by the development of new personal study skills and practices. This free online
course gives you the opportunity to understand how to learn effectively, teaches the fundamental skills
necessary to improve your learning and performance and helps you to achieve both academic and personal
success. The topics covered include key skills in learning, good academic practise and how to find
information. You will also focus on developing your reading and thinking skills which are vital in any course
of study. This course...
23%Personal Health and Fitness
Everyday our attitudes and opinions about our personal well-being are influenced by messages and
advertising on the television, in newspapers, on the radio and Internet. How the media portrays health and
fitness has a major influence on individuals and society as a whole. This free online course begins by
looking at how we define what health is and how media and society influence our attitudes and opinions to
what we think is healthy and what is not. The course then covers aspects of health and fitness such as
healthy eating, aerobic fitness and how exercise affects mental health. This course will be of interest to any
person who is interested...

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73%Modern Lifestyle Diseases: Awareness and Prevention
Around the world, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases are affecting the health and well-being of
hundreds of millions of people. These diseases are no longer confined to the developed world as millions of
people in developing countries are adopting a westernized lifestyle and are being affected by these
diseases also. This free online course introduces factors that affect human health and looks in detail at
diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. This course is ideal for professionals working in a health-
related profession, for learners who want to learn more about diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases
and how they affect...
85%Diploma in Social Work Studies
Social workers are committed professionals who work in partnership with individuals, families and groups
experiencing marginalization, disadvantage or social difficulties. This course will give you a thorough
knowledge and understanding of what social work is, the skills needed to be a social worker, and what
social workers do.There are also video and audio based case studies which will help you further enhance
your understanding during this social work online course.ALISON's free Diploma in Social Work Studies
online course is ideal for professionals who are already in a health-related or care-giving occupation and
who want to learn more about...
95%Preparing to Manage - Skills and Practices
Successful business management practices implemented by skilled and knowledgeable managers are vital
for the continued success and growth of any business. This free online course introduces you to essential
business management skills and practices. The course starts by asking what management is, and reviews
managerial characteristics and skills. The course covers topics such as managing external relationships
such as with customers and suppliers. It introduces management accounting practices and procedures,
best practices for managing and using information systems, how to manage information about business
competitors, and best practices for human...
95%Diploma in Human Resources
Human resources (HR) plays a key role in modern organizations and businesses, be they private sector,
public sector or voluntary. ALISON.com's free online human resources diploma course covers diverse topics
in HR, from the role of the human resources manager and how to recruit, select, train and assess
employees, to employee motivation, employee-employer relations, and how to manage change within an
organization.ALISON's Diploma in Human Resources course gives a thorough knowledge and understanding
of the important role HR plays in organizations, and will be of great interest to HR business professionals as
well as those who are pursuing a career...
80%Growth Strategies for Business
Having worked hard to create a business many entrepreneurs and business people then find it a struggle to
grow their business. This free online course looks at the important factors when growing a business
internationally. The course reviews growth strategies for companies, international marketing, adding
products and services, and factors involved in international business. This course is ideal for business
professionals, or those who are interested in starting their own business, and who want to learn more about
the factors involved in a growing business.

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97%Diploma in Operations Management
Operations management is important to any organization, whether they are manufacturing companies
producing physical products or organizations offering services. ALISON's free diploma in operations
management online course reviews a wide variety of topics from the development of operations
management, to the role of the operations manager, the transformation model, planning and scheduling
methodologies and practices, and inventory and quality management. The Diploma in Operations
Management will give you a thorough understanding and knowledge of operations management and its
organizational and managerial applications. The course is ideal for anyone...
100%Alcohol and Its Effects on Health
Alcohol is enjoyed by many people during social occasions, but for others addiction to alcohol or alcohol-
related illnesses can be a serious health issue. This free online course begins by reviewing the biological
effects of alcohol on the body, including hangovers, psychological, and physical disturbances. The course
also looks at the effects of chronic alcoholism such as liver damage or fetal alcohol syndrome. Finally, the
course reviews some of the treatments for alcohol-related illnesses. This course is ideal for anyone who
wants to learn more about the effects alcohol can have on their health, or for learners already working in
the areas...
100%Leadership Skills in Business
Successful entrepreneurs need more than business ideas, they need to be good leaders. This free online
course from ALISON reviews the essential leadership skills an entrepreneur or business person needs.
These skills include the knowledge and understanding of how to organise your company, how to select your
business team, how to manage your business team, and how you should behave as a business professional.
All great entrepreneurs and business people gain this knowledge and understanding early in their career
and by studying this course you can gain the knowledge and understanding to acquire these skills also.
100%Colour Theory for Artists and Designers
Graphic designers, artists, photographers and all those involved in the visual arts need an accurate
understanding of colour theory. This free online course from ALISON presents aspects of colour and light
perception such as hue, lightness and chroma, brightness and saturation, visual perception of colour,
mixing paints, and additive and subtractive colour mixing. The comprehensive text is accompanied by
interactive graphics that further explain the concepts. This course is ideal for any learner who practices the
visual arts, either professionally or as a hobby, and who wants to greatly enhance their knowledge and
understanding of colour theo...
90%Entrepreneurship - Creating the Business
Entrepreneurship is the cornerstone of any modern economy - Everyday entrepreneurs around the world
are starting their own business. This free online course from ALISON examines characteristics of
entrepreneurs and also examines the kind of business models and marketing strategies an entrepreneur
can use to start a business. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to learn more about
entrepreneurship or who may be thinking about starting their own business.