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LMS Implementation: From Worse To Better
By Viswanath Shankar
Expert Author
Article Date: 2007-02-22
Identification of problems is the first step towards addressing them. The process of implementing an LMS in the existing infrastructure of an organization is not devoid of troubles either.
But, before you start addressing the issues in LMS implementation, you need to thoroughly analyze the problem areas. It would be a wise decision to pay heed to the following points to make your LMS implementation ride less bumpy, if not a cinch.
Know your data
One of the most important things that an LMS is expected to do is to allow access to data across the organization. This data could be about the number of persons trained, the extent of the training, compliance levels achieved, program costing, etc. While there is no denying that almost all LMS systems record this information, it is lost in the system maze, where it can neither be accessed nor be retrieved.
This issue, though seems to be a minor one, is one of the most important ones and the first problem you might encounter once the system starts running. Addressing this issue during the implementation phase can ease out the troubles to a great extent. Decide upon what data needs to be seen and by whom. Also list the reports and files that need to be accessed and people whom it should be made available to. There ought to be in-built reports in the LMS, but don't forget to scrutinize them to see if they suit to your specific needs. If they do not, develop these reports to include them in the system.
Lower the extent of Customization
Little or no customization is seen in a bad light by many. Agreed that customization provides you with a tailor made product to address your exact requirements, but more often than not, alteration of the off-the-shelf LMS not only proves to be a daunting task, but is also not worth the effort. The drawbacks of extensive customization far outweigh its advantages. Lets see why:- It delays the quick implementation by months
- Expenditure over the process is not worth it when seen in juxtaposition with the business value
- Upgrading the system without having to re-do things is easier said than done Incredible as it may seem, the modification of the training programs is a lot easier than changing the LMS software. Market surveys are testimony to the fact that clients who made limited modifications to their LMS system had a greater satisfaction quotient from their systems than clients who extensively altered theirs.
This issue too, can be sorted out. In the first place, the selection of such a software that closely delivers upon the requirements stated in the RFP would bring down to a considerable extent, the number of modifications needed to be made to the system while its implementation. Altering your own learning process to run around the LMS is definitely a better option. This does not mean that you do not need to pay heed to learner or instructor requirements. It only means that there is a need to thoroughly review your learning process so that you can boil down to only a selected few modifications. Working around the off the shelf system is not as bad as you might have perceived.
Other enterprise-wide applications have in-built tools that enable upgradeable customizations. Basing your LMS on the structure of such applications can also be the key to this problem. But, LMS market still being in its infancy, there is a severe dearth of such LMS'.
Delaying implementation
If implementing an LMS is taking a long time, there is all possibility of changes happening to your business, and therefore, business goals. Your LMS might then seem to be out of place in the changed scenario. Hence, it is always better to take baby steps at a faster pace than take giant steps at a laidback pace. The implementation time depends upon a number of factors, but most of the times, scrupulous managers trying to squeeze out the last drop make the process lengthier. To derive maximum value form the implementation, it is essential to get the system running as soon as possible.
Enhancements of the system can be put off for a later date. Like if you are planning to implement it in all the departments, is it possible to get started with one or two right away and add others in phases. Implementing the system in parts or phases will also empower you to understand the issues that may crop up once the system starts functioning.
Incompatible training needs
You would want a single LMS to cater to the training requirements of all departments. But there are strong chances that each department or division already has a system in place that they are not comfortable parting with. More often than not, they will contend that either their training needs are vastly different from that of the other departments, or the costs involved in switching to other system might not be worth it. Agreeing to this demand of departments or groups might put you in trouble. This is because though there is minor difference in the training needs of various departments, it is a known fact that an enterprise wide LMS will benefit the organization on the whole. Trying to fit in the system in different departments of the organization will only mess up the whole implementation process without touching the real issue of non-co-operation between groups. Thus, LMS implementation is also about building consent between diverse groups for working together.
Conclusion
All in all, successful LMS implementation is all about first getting the process underway and then keep on making changes to it in order to tailor it diverse needs, or applying it to a wider range of audience.
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About the Author:
Viswanath Shankar has been managing and maintaining various e-learning softwares for the past decade and a half. A storehouse of knowledge about LMS (Learning Management Systems), He has been working in close co-ordination with web development experts to develop user friendly distance learning programs.
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