Learning Management Systems
Talent and competency are scarce but essential drivers of business success and growth. The demand for skills exceeds supply. This market shortage is among the most pressing challenges for business.
Number One strategy is to grow the skill base within the organization by investing in the people. Effective Learning and Development is a no-brainer to enhance the capability, productivity and value of the existing workforce. Along with initiatives in reward, engagement, teamwork and communications, a comprehensive training and development programme should deliver a positive ROI.
This training task is heavy and constant in all medium and large enterprises. So, how do smart organizations take a systematic and efficient approach to their learning needs, minimizing the repetitive and often variable human inputs of old? By using a powerful software application.
A Learning Management System (LMS) is a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, and delivery of educational courses, training programmes, or learning and development programmes (more). The learning management system concept emerged over twenty years ago from eLearning and is now prevalent in corporate organizations.
Generally web-and-cloud-based, an LMS and its suite of online learning modules bring many advantages: –
- Tailors content, style, language and messaging to fit the organization’s culture and competency imperatives;
- Easily works in tandem with a Competency Management System (CompMS);
- Organizes eLearning content and training records in one location;
- Provides unlimited access to eLearning materials;
- Quickly and conveniently expands eLearning modules;
- Enables learners to self-assess or be assessed for their competency via their mobile – one bite-sized module at a time;
- Automatically tracks learner progress against training and development goals, policy and H&S requirements, and re-certification timelines. Simply reports completion and compliance levels;
- Reduces Learning and Development costs;
- Reduces Learning and Development time;
- Causes organizations to keep up-to-date with compliance regulations;
- Reduces risk to Officers by evidencing diligence in the training of employees and contractors in Worksafe practices. (more)
While most learners will be existing staff, the business will still be hiring. A valuable subset of eLearning is online Induction learning. Driven by the greater efficiency of LMS and the need to welcome new employees and contractors with warmth, knowledge and security, the Induction suite is becoming an essential element in onboarding the newcomer. Induction modules are generally bespoke to the organization, reflecting the culture, policies, priorities and structures of the particular work environment. Starting with a pre-boarding module, the suite will usually amplify the letter of engagement and may contain:
- A welcome from the CEO;
- Legal and regulatory compliance matters;
- Health and Safety;
- Payroll matters;
- Basic introduction to the Company;
- Introduction to the Department;
- Maps and directions for large sites;
- Job / role learning;
- Expectations (perhaps including departmental KPIs);
- Buddies and connected workers.
All newbies are nervous in the first days. To give them this knowledge head-start removes much uncertainty and makes a positive and welcoming first impression – “I am wanted and secure, and will be fully equipped and trained to do my job!”.
From the company’s perspective, a comprehensive and informative welcome helps to foster an engaged recruit, a faster path to competence, and in due course an increasingly skilled and valuable member of the organization.
Declaration: Warren is chairman and a part-owner of Autosense Limited, a consultant and provider of Learning / Competency Management Systems and producer of online learning modules for any LMS.
