Hey folks! I’ve recently wrapped up the “SAP SD Training – in Plain English” course over on Udemy and thought it would be cool to share my thoughts, especially for anyone looking to break into or understand more about SAP Sales and Distribution (SD). So, let’s dive in, shall we?
Straight off the bat, the course title caught my eye with its promise of plain English, and I must say, it delivered. SAP can feel like deciphering ancient runes if you’re new to it, so having something break it down into digestible chunks is a godsend.
Instructor Reputation: A Deeper Dive into Siva Prasad’s Background
When it comes to online learning, the instructor can make or break a course. In the case of “SAP SD Training – in Plain English,” Siva Prasad not only makes it but elevates it with his extensive background and palpable passion for teaching. With an instructor rating of 4.5, garnered from nearly 50,000 reviews, and over 185,000 students across 10 courses, Siva’s credentials speak volumes about his effectiveness and popularity as a teacher.
Industry Experience
Siva brings to the table a rich tapestry of experience, having spent over a decade as an SAP SD/MM functional consultant. His resume reads like a who’s who of major corporations, with stints at industry giants such as Apple, Wal-mart, Adidas, Adobe, and Johnson & Johnson. This wealth of experience across varied sectors gives him a unique perspective on the practical applications of SAP SD, which he adeptly translates into his teaching.
Teaching Philosophy
What sets Siva apart is his teaching philosophy. He believes in the power of example-led learning, a method that resonates well with adult learners who thrive on concrete applications of abstract concepts. According to him, the leap from being a novice to a seasoned SAP consultant is not as vast as it seems; it requires the right guidance and a solid foundation, both of which he aims to provide through his course. Siva’s approach is to demystify SAP, making it accessible and engaging by correlating each piece of configuration with real-life examples. This method not only aids in comprehension but also in retention, as students can easily recall and apply their knowledge in practical settings.
Contribution to the SAP Community
Despite his assertion of not being associated with SAP AG or being a SAP partner, Siva’s contribution to the SAP community through his teaching efforts is undeniable. He identifies a gap in the market for high-quality, accessible SAP training and steps in to fill it, focusing on imparting knowledge that prepares students for real-world challenges. His commitment to bridging the knowledge gap for beginner consultants and his hands-on approach to teaching have made him a sought-after mentor within the community.
Course Structure: An In-depth Overview
The “SAP SD Training – in Plain English” course is meticulously structured to facilitate a step-by-step learning journey, making it suitable for beginners yet comprehensive enough for intermediate learners looking to solidify their knowledge. This thoughtful structuring is one of the course’s standout features, ensuring that learners not only absorb the material but can also apply it practically.
Part 1: The Foundations
The course kicks off with the basics, introducing learners to the most commonly used end-user transactions. This section is designed to get students comfortable with the SAP SD environment, offering a gentle introduction to its interface and functionalities. By focusing on end-user transactions first, Siva ensures that students have a practical understanding of how SAP SD is used in real-world business scenarios, setting a solid foundation for the more complex concepts that follow.
Part 2: Configuration and Customizing
With a good grasp of the basics, students then move on to configuring and customizing SD. This segment dives into the heart of SAP SD, exploring the nuances of setting up and tailoring the module to meet specific business needs. It’s here that Siva’s expertise truly shines, as he guides students through the intricate process of customization, offering insights and tips gleaned from his years of consulting. This hands-on approach not only demystifies the process but also empowers students to think critically about how configurations impact business operations.
Part 3: Real-World Application
The final part of the course focuses on real-time scenarios, landscapes, and project lifecycles, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Students are introduced to the complexities of SAP projects, including how to navigate the various phases and challenges they might encounter. This section is invaluable for those looking to transition into SAP consulting roles, as it provides a realistic glimpse into the consultant’s world, complete with the challenges and rewards that come with it.
Continuous Learning and Support
Throughout the course, Siva emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptation, encouraging students to stay curious and proactive in their SAP journey. The inclusion of real-time examples, coupled with Siva’s detailed explanations, ensures that students are not just passive recipients of information but active participants in their learning process. This dynamic approach to teaching, combined with the course’s comprehensive structure, equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue their SAP careers successfully.
Content Quality: A Closer Look at What Sets This Course Apart
When evaluating an online course, the quality of its content is paramount. “SAP SD Training – in Plain English” excels in this area by offering a comprehensive, example-driven exploration of SAP Sales and Distribution (SD). The course’s strength lies not just in the breadth of topics covered but in the depth and clarity with which they are presented. Here’s a breakdown of what makes the content quality stand out:
Comprehensive Coverage
With over 30 hours of video content, this course promises and delivers a thorough examination of SAP SD. From the basics of end-user transactions to the complexities of configuration and customization, all the way through to real-time scenarios and landscapes, every aspect of SAP SD is covered. This comprehensive approach ensures that learners come away with a full understanding of the module, regardless of their prior experience.
Real-World Examples and Hands-on Learning
Siva Prasad’s method of teaching through examples is a key highlight of the course. Each concept is tied back to a real-world scenario, making the learning process relevant and immediately applicable. This approach not only aids in understanding complex configurations but also helps in visualizing how these configurations play out in actual business processes. The hands-on aspect of the course, encouraging students to follow along with their SAP access, further cements this knowledge by providing practical experience.
Quality of Presentation
While the course is rich in information, it’s worth noting that there are minor inconsistencies in audio levels and clarity across modules. Although this does not significantly detract from the overall learning experience, it is an area where there’s room for improvement. Despite this, the quality of Siva’s presentation—his clear articulation of concepts and the logical flow of the course content—more than compensates for these technical issues.
Engagement and Interactivity
The course structure promotes engagement by progressively building on concepts and encouraging learners to apply what they’ve learned through hands-on exercises. However, as some reviewers have pointed out, the addition of more interactive elements such as quizzes, MCQs, and exercises at the end of each section could further enhance the learning experience. These interactive components could provide learners with immediate feedback on their understanding and retention of the material.
Overall Course Rating: 8.5/10
Taking into account the comprehensive nature of the content, the depth of expertise offered by Siva Prasad, the practical application of teaching through real-world examples, and considering the minor areas for improvement, I’d rate “SAP SD Training – in Plain English” an 8.5 out of 10.
Strengths:
- In-depth Knowledge and Expertise: Siva’s extensive experience and his ability to relate complex concepts to real-world scenarios are invaluable.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The course covers everything from basic transactions to advanced configurations, making it suitable for learners at various levels.
- Practical, Hands-on Approach: The emphasis on real-world applicability and the encouragement to practice alongside the course materials greatly enhance the learning experience.
Areas for Improvement:
- Audio and Technical Quality: The variation in audio levels and clarity can be distracting. Uniform quality across all modules would enhance the learning experience.
- Increased Interactivity: Incorporating more quizzes, MCQs, and practical exercises could make the course even more engaging and facilitate better retention of the material.
Overall, this is a robust course that offers a wealth of knowledge for anyone looking to dive deep into the world of SAP Sales and Distribution. Siva Prasad’s expertise, coupled with a comprehensive and practical approach to teaching, makes this course a valuable resource. While there are minor areas for improvement, the overall quality of content and teaching methodology provides a solid foundation for learners. This course is a strong choice for those aspiring to become proficient in SAP SD, offering insights and knowledge that are hard to find elsewhere.
