Creating Classes

Objective

After completing this lesson, you will be able to create a class entity in SAP SuccessFactors Learning.

Sections and Key Fields for Adding a Class

When adding a new class, it is crucial to understand the structure and key fields required to ensure all relevant information is captured. To create a class, navigate to Learning Administration → Learning Activities → Class → Add New.

The Add New Class window includes four essential sections for entering class information: Summary Information, Class Information, Resources and Special Request Custom Fields. After the class is created, additional resources such as multiple instructors can be assigned for each time slot from the Agenda tab of the class entity.

Any conflicts with potential resources can be identified using the Preview button and refresh icon in Resource Usage View.

Summary Information, Class Information, Resources and Special Request Custom Fields Sections in the Add New Class window.

Typically, organizations have predefined options for fields with a dropdown, but some organizations may allow administrators to add class information and resources to those dropdown fields. For example, if the facility, location, or equipment you want to connect to the class is not already in the system, you can add it directly through the wizard interface by selecting the green plus icon next to the respective field. If a training session is held at a one-time facility that doesn't need to be added to your resource list, you can also enter an ad hoc facility instead.

Summary Information Section

In the Summary Information Section, you need to define the type of the new class. There are two options to choose from: Item or Resource Block.

Item

If you select Item, you must specify the specific item for which the class will be created. In the Item ID field, search for and select the relevant item. The Item Type will automatically default based on the chosen item ID. Next, choose the Security Domain and provide a Description of the class along with a brief overview in the Short Description field. By default, the Libraries checkbox is selected, ensuring the class is published in all associated libraries.

Resource Block

If you select Resource Block, a dropdown menu will appear, allowing you to choose a specific resource block. A resource block serves to alert the Administrator about potential resource conflicts or to prevent resources from being scheduled into another class during specified times—such as when equipment is under maintenance, an instructor is on vacation, or a learner is unavailable for an extended period.

To configure resource blocks, navigate to: Learning AdministrationReferencesLearning ActivitiesResource Blocks.

Class Information Section

The primary function of the Class Information area is to allow you to set options such as the Facility and Primary Location for the class

Facility and Primary Location

Selecting an existing facility that is linked to a holiday profile and a workweek profile enables the system to automatically schedule around holidays and non-working days. If the facility is associated with a specific time zone, that time zone will be displayed in the Time Zone field.

Start Dates, Start Times, and Time Zones

When scheduling an item, you need to specify the start date and start time for its delivery. When administrators add a new class and select a facility, the class's time zone will automatically adjust to match that of the facility. Administrators have the option to manually change the time zone if necessary.

Once all required information is entered, select Preview to see an overview of the basic scheduling details for the class and identify possible resource conflicts.

Resources Section

The primary function of the Resources area is to allow you to set options such as Primary Instructor and equipment for the class.

Primary Instructor

The administrator can search for and assign the class's primary instructor. If there is a need to identify additional or alternate instructors, this can be done by editing the class agenda tab after creating the class entity. Each time slot can later be edited to include additional instructors, locations, equipment, and other resources or if the resources are different for each time slot.

Any additional instructors in the Resources section are automatically considered as secondary instructors and they have the same level of access as primary instructors to manage the sessions.

Manage Equipment

Equipment is any reusable resource that is used in the delivery of classes. These include overhead projectors, television monitors, classroom laptops, etc. Equipment can be associated with locations and facilities. You can schedule equipment that does not come with the location that has been scheduled. To schedule these additional resources, edit the time slot for which you want to schedule them and select Add Equipment from the list of resources.

Resource Usage View

The Resource Usage View dropdown menu enables the administrator to detect potential conflicts associated with a specific resource. If you attempt to schedule a resource at the same time it is already booked, a warning message will appear, allowing you to decide whether to proceed with the scheduling or choose a different resource.

Resource Conflict Warning message is highlighted.

Resource Conflict Management

In the event of a resource conflict, you can easily view the conflict by navigating to the Agenda tab of a class and checking the Conflict Item column.

View Resource Conflict link in the Conflict Item column is highlighted

A global setting is available to prevent the system from creating a class entity if it detects a resource scheduling conflict. Navigate to System AdministrationConfigurationGlobal Application SettingsPrevent Resource Conflicts. If this setting is not enabled, the administrator will be allowed to create the class entity but must manually resolve all resource conflicts.

If the setting is enabled, an error message will be shown. The administrator not be able to select the resource with the conflict and will need to either remove it from the time slot or choose a different resource. This applies to instructors, locations, and equipment when creating and adding classes and resource blocks.

After entering all information in the four sections: Summary Information, Class Information, Resources and Special Requests Custom Fields, select Save, and a new class entity is created.

Create a New Class

Business Example

Your organization is expanding its educational offerings by incorporating a new class. In this exercise, you will create a new class for an instructor-led course and include it in a library.

Steps

  1. Create a new class for an Instructor-led course and publish it in the GENERAL library.

    1. Log in to SAP SuccessFactors HCM as a Learning Administrator and navigate to Learning Administration → Learning Activities → Items.

    2. Search for an Instructor-led item (example: Safety Course).

    3. Select the item from the search results.

    4. Navigate to the Actions menu and select Schedule.

    5. Specify the Security Domain for the new class entity: ACME-CORP.

    6. Enter a description for this class: For IT Professionals.

    7. Select the Publish in all associated libraries checkbox.

    8. Select a facility from the Facility drop-down menu: ACME Headquarters(HQ).

    9. Select Primary Location: Classroom 101 (HQ-CLASS-101).

    10. Select a start date, start time: Pick a date and time 2 weeks from today.

    11. Select a time zone: Use Eastern Standard Time (America\New York).

    12. Search for and assign Primary Instructor: Jonathan Marr (JMARR).

    13. Select Save.

    14. Navigate to the Libraries entity tab.

    15. Select Add Libraries.

    16. Select the GENERAL Library.

    17. Select ADD.

Summary

  • Use four sections—Summary Information, Class Information, Resources, and Special Request Custom Fields—to create a new class.
  • Define details like class type, facility, location, dates, and instructor while considering time zones and scheduling rules.
  • Identify and address potential resource conflicts using the Resource Usage View or global conflict prevention settings.
  • Manage additional class resources, like instructors and equipment, by configuring time slots in the Agenda tab.
  • Save the entered information to create the class entity and resolve any remaining conflicts as needed.