The initial launch of Cornerstone Learning will include 75,000 users, representing nearly half of the company's 155,000 global employee base. To maintain its high quality standards, the company not only counts "knowledge and growth through learning" among its core values but is also committed to increasing operational efficiencies through the use of technology.

After encountering issues with its on-premise learning management system (LMS), Starwood's learning and development team sought a more flexible, scalable, and user-friendly solution for training and developing its talent.

"By using Cornerstone, we are able to be more strategic in configuring our learning management system to support our overall business goals and create efficiencies within the organisation. The blend of different course styles, as well as the on-demand access, also allows us to target learners more specifically, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach", said Allison Barber, Vice President of Talent Management for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.

Cornerstone offers a true Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) on-demand solution, making it a faster and more efficient way for Starwood to deploy, manage, and maintain its LMS system. It also means the company won't have to deal with the hassles of version upgrades, maintenance, and hardware/IT costs.

Adam Miller, President and CEO of Cornerstone OnDemand comments: "Learning and development programs are essential in helping companies in the service industry maintain brand consistency and customer loyalty. And by taking advantage of Cornerstone's SaaS delivery model, Starwood will be able to roll out its new LMS system in a matter of weeks instead of months and see a more immediate impact on its business."

One of the platforms of Cornerstone's integrated talent management offering, Cornerstone Learning, allows organisations to strategically and cost-effectively create, manage, and deliver personalised training and development activities that bring together targeted, fully blended learning programs for all employees. Organisations can take advantage of different training formats that best meet their needs, such as eLearning, virtual classrooms, instructor-led training, and learning content management systems (LCMS).