ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the necessity of using performance support technology and its benefits in contemporary work environments. Electronic performance support systems (EPSS) are a very powerful tool for reducing training costs while improving productivity. Very little research appears to exist addressing the implications that the implementation of an EPSS will most likely have on adopting enterprises. Electronic performance support represents the greatest promise that training departments and corporations have witnessed since the introduction of e-learning in the 1980s. Electronic performance support is reported to have great success in all fields of industry, government and education institutes. The concept of electronic performance support was conceived and nurtured in corporate settings as a result of the serious challenge organisations have been facing over the last two decades, a challenge which Gery describes as the 'performance crisis'. The performance challenge is caused by the gap between the level of competency of a workforce and that required in order to meet organisational business goals.
