INTRODUCING THE INSTITUTE LEADER

Tim Hays, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Software Development, holds a pivotal role within USOU’s academic realm. With a partnership spanning over two decades, Tim’s collaboration with USOU has been instrumental in crafting software for training programs that have garnered acclaim. Currently, he stands at the helm of the University’s Digital Platform Development Team, steering its innovative course. Tim’s prowess spans the vast landscape of software development, extending seamlessly into the frontiers of Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and Augmented Reality. These proficiencies hold paramount importance, signifying the bedrock upon which the University’s future successes will be built. Tim emerges not only as an expert in his field but also as a visionary shaping the trajectory of the University’s technological evolution.

INNOVATION AND TRANSFORMATION

TRANSFORMING TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Preparing Human Resources professionals for the digital age is a hot topic among training and development experts. Digital technology has the potential and ability to transform training departments and corporate universities into powerhouses of human development. While it’s one thing to talk about digital transformation, it is an entirely different thing to implement. USOU has developed a unique and innovative framework that allows individuals, companies, and organizations to transform traditional training & development into a laser-focused system.

CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS

VALUE OF INVESTMENT

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VALUE OF INVESTMENT

Determining actual benefits of investing in training and development is quite complex. The Return on Investment (ROI) is merely a part of the entire process that we call Value of Investment. With the VOI mindset, we are conscious of the fact that in many situations, the ROI may show a negative result; however, the given training or development intervention may be of great value and nonetheless should be carried out.

MANAGEMENT

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MANAGEMENT

This Performance Prompter will be for Management Training. We already developed a Performance Prompter for Sales Training. This Augmented Reality (AR) system provides instant feedback during the role play exercise and makes behavior shaping possible. This new approach rises the effectiveness of role playing to unexpected heights.

COMMUNICATION

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COMMUNICATION

This Performance Prompter will be for Communication Training. We already developed a Performance Prompter for Sales Training. This Augmented Reality (AR) system provides instant feedback during the role play exercise and makes behavior shaping possible. This new approach rises the effectiveness of role playing to unexpected heights.

SALES SIMULATOR

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SALES SIMULATOR

This Sales Simulator is based on extensive research with more than 3,000 sales professionals. The study identified the core competencies and success factors of top performers. The competency-based approach of the simulator will guarantee measurable results through the development of strategic thinking and acting. This simulator will provide High Impact Training.

HRD ASSESSMENT

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HRD ASSESSMENT

The biggest challenge in modern HRD is how to best integrate and implement the new technologies available to optimize training & development. How well adapted is your department to the fast changing technologies? The HRD Assessment will show if your approach is right or if you are missing out on strategies and tools that are potential game-changers.

BIG DATA

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BIG DATA

The collection and interpretation of information – the right information – can significantly contribute to decision-making and problem-solving. However, processing large amounts of data is a challenging task that is not easy to overcome. Artificial intelligence (AI) is already being successfully used in medicine, and our researcher and program developer, Prof. Tim Hays, is an authority in this field. Here is the link to his website.

MORE INFORMATION

    Click on the flag to open the Research Projects in German.

        

PAST RESEARCH PROJECTS

The University’s research team developed special small-scale empirical research techniques to produce faster results. The purpose of these research projects is to bridge the gap between theory and practice and to develop better HRD interventions based on these research findings. USOU sees itself as an international hub for HRD research, wants to contribute new and proven practices to the field of Human Resources Development, and continuously strengthen the HRD sector. The University has carried out various research projects in the past. There are ongoing research projects and assignments at any given time.

Some of the past research projects were sponsored by:

BOOSTING COMPETENCE THROUGH SIMULATION

PERFORMANCE SIMULATOR

Our research partner BASF asked us to develop a competency-based simulator to train 2,500 salespeople and sales managers without professional trainers. Their goal was to improve product knowledge, convey the latest sales strategies, increase sales competencies, reach or surpass the sales projections and train the geographically dispersed sales force within six months.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING SIMULATOR

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Immersive and interactive experiential learning is classroom independent and therefore saves time and money. It is based on recognized Best Practice. The simulator acts as an assessment and training tool through its interactive video scenarios. It provides insight into personal strengths and developmental needs. Best Practice is really critical when it comes to Instructional Systems Design. Video scenarios not only have to be believable but their content has to reflect exactly what salespeople experience in everyday situations. That means that all the knowledge, attitudes, and skills that make up specific competencies have to be included in the different video case studies. Competencies can only be developed through practice-relevant and evidence-based scenarios.

AI-DRIVEN LEARNING PLATFORM

PROGRESSOR LEARNING PLATFORM

The Progressor Learning Platform is built on a tested and award-winning competency development program. All other e-learning platforms in the market today are focused on the transfer of knowledge, and this is where their shortcomings are evident. Knowledge sharing is very important, but it does not generate the behavior changes needed to develop competent learners. Competency-based learning and teaching require a different toolset. The Progressor was designed with the most comprehensive learning and teaching tools available. This AI-driven learning system triggers learner participation through the right combination of digital collaboration tools in an environment of experiential learning. The Progressor Learning Platform is highly customizable.

LEAD DEVELOPER FOR THE USOU DIGITAL PLATFORM

TIM HAYS

Associate Professor of Computer Science and Software Development

For over two decades, a remarkable alliance has thrived between USOU and the visionary mind of Tim Hays. A true trailblazer in the realm of technology, Tim now stands at the helm of our esteemed platform development team. With a wealth of expertise in software development, Artificial Intelligence, and the captivating domains of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, he embodies the driving force behind USOU’s cutting-edge Digital Platform. But don’t just take our word for it – delve into  Professor Hays’s curriculum vitae and website. Look at his accomplishments and you’ll grasp the depth of his invaluable contributions to the world of innovation.

BEGINNING OF A NEW FUTURE

A NEW ERA OF INNOVATION AND POSSIBILITIES

All the information, activities, YouTube videos, and expert advice point in one direction: Web 3.0 will be the next major online destination where global users congregate, buy, sell, engage, play, and work. Web 3.0 will inspire a bustling new economy at every level. There will be several digital platforms, created by the media giants Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Meta. According to leading technology gurus, this will happen faster than we think.

THE UNIVERSITY’S COMMITMENT

The digital age and Web 3.0 are transforming the way businesses operate and interact with trainers, coaches, and consultants. As emerging technologies continue to evolve, it is imperative for professionals to keep up-to-date with the latest trends and developments. That is where United States Online University (USOU) comes in.

  • USOU is a leading worldwide educational network providing top-quality support for training professionals who want to succeed in the digital age. The University’s mission is to empower individuals to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced and constantly changing digital landscape.
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  • USOU caters to a diverse range of training professionals, business coaches, and performance consultants seeking to transition to the digital age and Web 3.0.
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  • USOU offers a wide range of in-house workshops and professional development programs for corporate universities, training departments, consulting services and business coaches.
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  • USOU provides many benefits to training professionals, including up-to-date knowledge and skills, improved career prospects, greater confidence and competence in the digital age.

THE TARGET GROUPS

The USOU Digital Platform is specifically designed to help chief learning officers, training directors, training managers, independent trainers, business coaches, performance consultants, and executives of training companies and corporate universities who are committed to disrupting, improving, and revolutionizing the industry by providing you with the tools you need to succeed.

THE SERVICE STATION FOR HRD

Our vision for the future is to transform the USOU Digital Platform into a powerful Service Station for the HRD community. We want to bridge the gap between traditional training/learning and exciting new approaches in the digital world.

A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON SUCCESS

The opportunities presented by the changing dynamics of the workplace and the growing demand for remote learning are enormous, and we’re ready to take advantage of them. The USOU Digital Platform is managed by an experienced development team with a strong background in the HRD industry, digital learning and A.I. technology.