Elearning - February/March 2008 - (Page 35) In this stage, you make sure the LMS/LCMS really works for the applications’ users. This means it is installed and technically working per the specs, configured properly based on detailed use requirements, fully tested internal labs and pilot tested in the field. It also means the necessary management systems are in place and the roles, workflow and business processes have been changed to manage and support its use — by learners, by their managers and by the supporting organizations (such as IT, HR and training). >> Stage 2. Implementation Following installation, the focus must shift to making sure the learners, their managers and the organization as a whole understands the context for the LMS/LCMS (business rationale and anticipated business results); are aware of the features and functions, functionality and benefits; and are able to actually use it as designed and planned. Typically, this is the stage in which the majority of the communications and change management activities occur. Unfortunately, this is all too often where all these planned activities then also stop — a critical mistake that is too often repeated. The success of LMS/LCMS implementation requires that all of the people impacted are informed, aware, involved and engaged. It also requires that the LMS/LCMS is integrated into the organization as a whole and, as a result, the organization is committed to its ongoing success. Change implementation is a process-based, inclusive and two-way approach that draws upon both change management and consumer marketing principles and practices. It focuses not only on ensuring that individuals think and act differently, but also on developing and reinforcing new individual and organizational attitudes and behaviors. embraced as a critical business system. In this stage, the work focuses on ensuring the LMS/LCMS becomes fully incorporated into the organization through its structures, processes and culture. The goal is to make the LMS/LCMS an essential tool for the success of every employee and manager, core business process and critical business initiative, and the organization as a whole. Success is when the people in the organization refer to the LMS/LCMS as “just the way we do things around here.” IT’S ABOUT PEOPLE An LMS/LCMS is a change to employees, to front-line supervisors, to mid-managers, to senior management, and to all the supporting organizations. Even though the first stage might be as delivering an e-learning course, it still is a change in the organization. Employees used to having time away from their desks and work to spend time with colleagues and instructor may resent having to learn from a computer. Trainers who feel valued for their platform skills may feel threatened they will be replaced. Managers who have always controlled the access to training and information by knowing who was in what class and when may feel under- mined when their employees can now learn anytime and from anywhere. And the organization as a whole often is not aware, engaged or supportive — nor understands why it should be. CONCLUSION Being successful with an enterprise LMS/LCMS — achieving the intended business results and the expected return on investment — requires much more than just the purchase and installation of one or more software applications. Certainly, a robust selection process and thorough configuration and installation work is necessary. But even more important is ensuring there is a true understanding of the business needs of the organization and the people within it (as well as partners, suppliers and customers, if appropriate) and that smart and informed decisions align with the organization’s goals and objectives and fit the organization’s culture. Chief Solution Architect Lance Dublin is the founder of Dublin Consulting. He has worked in learning and change management strategy, design and implementation for more than 30 years. Reach him via e-mail at lance@dublinconsulting.net. Elearning! Februasry/March 2008 35 >> Stage 3. Incorporation Truly successful companies put as much time and attention into the completion of this third stage as they do into the other two combined. They don’t leave this critical stage to chance. They recognize it is the difference between their LMS/LCMS being seen as just another application or
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.