tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22055982.post4547441490006350074..comments2024-03-28T08:36:29.053-07:00Comments on eLearning Technology: How long does it take to select an LMS?Tony Karrerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15408035995182843336noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22055982.post-10956776289955654942009-01-08T14:21:00.000-08:002009-01-08T14:21:00.000-08:00Peter - the dissatisfaction that is often reported...Peter - the dissatisfaction that is often reported really results from a disconnect between expectations for how the LMS will do certain things and the reality. Sometimes, it seems so obvious that the LMS should do something a particular way, but the model in the LMS is different - and then pain is felt. Of course, this is greatly reduced if you know ahead of time what's required, i.e., you set expectations.<BR/><BR/>In terms of consultants, I try to be really careful about pushing it because obviously I'm biased. I believe that Bryan and I can really help an organization have better expectations and get a better result. But again, there's bias.<BR/><BR/>In terms of finding and selecting a consultant - that's a great question. I know how I go through the process with clients where we discuss process, costs, timeline, team, etc. They almost always find me via word-of-mouth. I don't really know other consultants who do this, but I'm sure there are. And I have no idea if there's a list somewhere.<BR/><BR/>My guess is that Brandon Hall and Bersin and the eLearningGuild get inquiries because of their research. But no idea where those inquiries go.Tony Karrerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15408035995182843336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22055982.post-47975907258053207522009-01-08T12:09:00.000-08:002009-01-08T12:09:00.000-08:00I still don't quite understand the bad rap LMSs ge...I still don't quite understand the bad rap LMSs get. And I question whether the organizations are putting in the time to get the <B>most</B> out of whatever LMS they select. It might be easier to blame the LMS than it is to blame the organization's learning team. Not to be an apologist, but it remains an open question for me.<BR/><BR/>That notwithstanding, your post and Bryan Chapman's post--whether intentionally or not--actually made a strong case for hiring consultants...and I want to strongly advocate that more use be made of consultants, even if the actual consultants won't do it. :)<BR/><BR/>However, in a field as young still as e-Learning, there is a still a great risk of people "not knowing what they don't know." One could legitimately be a "fanboy" of a particular vendor based on experience and knowledge of the <B>many</B> potential solutions out there and that fact affects my enthusiasm for advocating for the use of a consultant. So, I want to advocate for the use of consultants, but I don't know if I can wholeheartedly.<BR/><BR/>I've followed your blog for a while now, but I may have missed this topic, but how could an organization go about selecting a consultant if it wanted to pursue that option before the LMS selection process? I fear the same organizations that would fall for "bells and whistles" that an LMS vendor might use in a demo would fall for "bells and whistles" that potential consultants might give them. The consultant question leads to this question for me: how could an organization increase the chances that they are getting the <B>best</B> solution rather than simply a satisfactory solution even with the help of a consultant? I could easily imagine some consultants making excellent careers for themselves repeatedly selling satisfactory solutions, instead of the best solutions. Perhaps there is no easy answer to the second question, but the first question is important, I think.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22055982.post-27174224371232320702009-01-08T08:21:00.000-08:002009-01-08T08:21:00.000-08:00@Ryan - I agree about issues with bias, but often ...@Ryan - I agree about issues with bias, but often that's a really important aspect of the selection process. It's good to know the bias so you can work with it.<BR/><BR/>@Sflowers - Great Point!!! This is something I call a "starter LMS." And it's a fantastic strategy for organizations who don't really know how they plan to use the LMS. It's really important that everyone understands the starter LMS strategy and that you don't try to do too much with it. But it's often a good approach for people who are new to having an LMS.Tony Karrerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15408035995182843336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22055982.post-73527851620956297042009-01-08T08:02:00.000-08:002009-01-08T08:02:00.000-08:00One thing many organizations don't consider is a t...One thing many organizations don't consider is a two step approach to selection. Years ago, I was asked to help select an LMS for my large organization. We selected a small, inexpensive launch and track system to start deploying and tracking courseware.<BR/><BR/>That temporary system (estimated to be in place for a year) is still going strong after nearly 5 years. I am a STRONG advocate of simple systems.<BR/><BR/>I pray that the organization holds off on selection of one of the big 3 for an enterprise integrated LMS. In my opinion these systems are large and essentially legacy. Regardless of new features, the core of these tools is still based on the same functional design. Which in most cases is (1) more than people need or will ever use (2) and less than people 'actually' need and beg for.<BR/><BR/>Wait for the next wave. The current systems are pretty aweful for the needs of most organizations. They perform well in demonstrations, but when the rubber hits the road the ownership of these systems sucks hard...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22055982.post-89188169551237537592009-01-08T07:24:00.000-08:002009-01-08T07:24:00.000-08:00Hey Tony, I like the post and definitely agree wit...Hey Tony, I like the post and definitely agree with not only a strategy for learning, but a strategy for selection. The selection strategy should definitely have some controls in place to eliminate bias or prejudice. There are definitely vendor "fanboys" even in corporations based on bad experiences with other applications or flashy presentations.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com