COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE FOR PFIZER'S
LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT GROUP.

Zielinski D. (2000) Have You Shared a Bright Idea Today?
Training Magazine. July p.65-68

RATIONALE

Using a new collaboration practice known as a community of practice (CoP) and formed between Pfizer's plant manufacturing training managers could help minimise reinvention costs, set new innovative practices and produce operational consistency across all plants.

COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE STRUCTURE

Across 9 sites : New York, Brooklyn, Connecticut, New Jersey, Missouri, Nebraska, Indiana, Puerto Rico and Belgium.
CoP named Virtual Learning Group.
Members : all plant training managers, select OD Managers.
Team leader: Facilitator with group dynamics skills.
'Learning (is to) happen by schedule, not by accident or haphazard connection.'

1. Clearly articulated purpose of CoP.
2. Fixed quarterly face-to-face meetings in one location.
3. Fixed conference call meetings, 6 per year.
4. Documented industry practice discoveries, best internal practices,
    tactical tips registry.
5. Documented member case studies of new action steps taken.
6. Fixed electronic discussion forum, all expected to contribute, in
    performance contract to spend between 10-20 % on knowledge exchange
    activities.

RESULTS

Dramatic cost savings - reduced "reinventions/duplications." Done by mapping comprehensive set of manufacturing processes across all plants and identifying best practice transfer.

Additional dramatic cost savings - successful best practice transfer because of formal site visits and coaching sessions.

Increased productivity - again, best practice transfer through systematic training inititiatives.

Optimal regulatory standards audit success rates - achieving consistent technician learning practices across all plants

Competency development innovations - dozens including new standards set for technicians - eg., 10 Step Skills Verification Process.

Clear evidence for training function worth to senior management both in cost savings AND wealth creation.

Major increases in global training function team unity and spirit.