I would like to see the analysis work before I agreed that mass training was the right solution, but in your case may be, Guy.

We had a client almost 10 years ago who needed to "train" customer service reps on a new software application. After some on-site workflow analysis we determined that much of the training was needed to make up for poor user interface design. We built a performance support tool (decision-tree in a browser) and reduced what had been a five week course to five days of instruction on how to use the tool.

Also, I am sure that there are different computer learning skills amongst these 700 learners. I know that my son can learn a new program in very short order, while my wife needs to be coached through the process. The same course may not be appropriate for everyone.

My own rule of thumb is that training is the last resort, when all other performance improvement alternatives (which are usually cheaper) have been discounted.