Open learning is a relatively new form of training / learning which is being utilised by organisations. One such organisation is Digital Equipment International (Galway), who (in conjunction with Dublin City University) commissioned some research to evaluate open learning within the organisation, and to provide recommendations for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the open learning system. The research strategy chosen was that of action resea rch , since the research needed to be both relevant to the needs of the organisations and contribute to the field of open learning research. The research undertaken was iterative in nature and involved: (i) an ongoing literature review; (ii) a review of organisational practice (including a telephone survey of twenty-four Irish organisations); (iii) extensive internal research in Digital. Five critical success factors for the implementation and running of an open learning system were identified from literature and organisational practice. These factors were then examined and tested in the light of open learning practice in Digital. This provided the basis for a list of recommendations for improving the effectiveness of open learning, which were sent to Digital in the form of a consultancy report. It also provided the basis for examining (from an organisational perspective); the extent to which open learning is an appropriate form of training / learning, and the factors which impinge on the usage and adoption of open learning.