Abstract
M.Com. (Industrial Psychology)
Due to a present shortage and projected future shortage
of instructional staff, the electricity utility of south
Africa, Eskom, introduced the PLATO computer-based
training system in an effort to increase the productivity
of instructors. The author acted as project leader
when the PLATO system was installed in Eskom during
June 1979. Thus Eskom became the first company in South
Africa to use the PLATO system for industrial training.
Training is delivered by means of a mainframe Cyber system
at Eskom's Head Office, Megawatt Park, situated in
Sandton. The mainframe is connected to 300 student
terminals via the Eskom network to 88 learning stations
throughout the country. Training is offered to all the
power stations and distribution head offices and other
main buildings where at least 200 employees are based.
It was found that the PLATO system was not used equally
effectively at all sites and it was decided to conduct
an analysis of those factors that may have an effect on
the effective utilisation of the system in order to try
to eliminate the negative factors and to strengthen the
positive factors. The research hipothesis stated that
there are many factors that will influence the effectiveness
of the system both individually and combined
.with other factors. It was however felt that those factors
resulting from the management and administration of
the system will have the greatest influence on the
effectiveness of the utilisation.