Choosing your LMS: the complete guide for training managers and managers

Choose a Learning Management System (LMS) is a crucial strategic decision for any company that wants to optimize its training and skills development processes. This detailed guide in six steps aims to support training managers, HR managers, CEOs, and CFOs in this process. We rely on recommendations from cognitive science research to ensure informed and effective selection.

Step 1: Identify training needs

Analysis of existing skills

• Conduct an audit of current skills within the company : Use tools like competency matrices and performance evaluations.
  • Optimal process :
    1. Create a skills matrix : List the skills needed for each position. Download our tool: Competency matrix model
    2. Evaluate current skills : Use performance evaluations and self-evaluations.
    3. Identifying skills gaps : Compare existing skills with those needed.
  • Recommended tools : Competency matrix model and 360° feedback tools.

Definition of training objectives

• Define the skills to be developed : Set clear and measurable goals.
  • Optimal process :
    1. Consultation with managers : Bring together department heads to discuss needs.
    2. SMART goal setting : Make sure goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound. Download our tool: Set SMART goals
    3. Alignment with business strategy : Training goals should support the overall vision and goals of the company.
  • Recommended tools : Set SMART goals

Step 2: Involve Stakeholders

Commitment and collaboration

Identification of stakeholders : Include HR managers, training managers, managers, and employees.

• Optimal process :
  1. Mapping stakeholders : Identify all the people and groups impacted by the LMS.
  2. Define roles and responsibilities : Clarify the expectations and contributions of each stakeholder.
  3. Communicate regularly : Set up follow-up points and feedback workshops.
• Recommended tools : Project management software like Asana or Trello, and communication platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams.

Gathering requirements

• Organize workshops or meetings to gather specific expectations and needs.
  • Optimal process :
    1. Prepare detailed questionnaires : Addressing all aspects of training and skills.
    2. Facilitate brainstorming sessions : Use facilitation techniques to encourage the expression of needs.
    3. Summarize the information collected : Identify common trends and priorities.
  • Recommended tools : Toolkits for collecting requirements (questionnaires and workshop facilitation)

Step 3: Evaluate LMS capabilities

10 essential criteria to take into account:

• 1. Adaptive Learning
• 2. Educational Artificial Intelligence
• 3. Smart Analytics
• 4. User Interface and Experience (UI/UX)
• 5. Compatibility and integration
• 6. Accessibility and Mobility
• 7. Content and Resource Management
• 8. Learner Assessment and Monitoring
• 9. Support and Assistance
• 10. Cost and ROI

Download our tool Checklist of the 10 essential criteria in choosing an LMS and how to assess them and follow the methodology to assess the relevance of each of these criteria step by step.

Comparison and tests

• Compare the functionalities of the main LMSs on the market
  • Optimal process :
    1. Develop a criteria grid : List the essential and desired functionalities.
    2. Request demos : Invite suppliers to present their solutions.
    3. Test the solutions : Use free trials or pilots to assess usability and effectiveness.
  • Recommended tools : Comparative analyst reports, typical software comparison platform CapTERRA.
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Step 4: Consider the user experience

Ease of use and accessibility

• Intuitive interface
  • Friendliness for trainers and learners : The interface should be simple and pleasant to use.
  • Optimal process :
    1. Organize user tests : Gather feedback on the ergonomics of the LMS.
    2. Analyzing feedback : Identify strengths and areas for improvement.
    3. Continuously improve : Make adjustments based on feedback.
  • Recommended tools : Prototyping software like Figma, and user feedback platforms like Hotjar.
• Mobile accessibility
  • Multi-device compatibility : Make sure the LMS is accessible on smartphones and tablets.
  • Recommended tools : LMS with mobile or responsive applications.

Step 5: Analyze costs and ROI

Investment and profitability

• Total cost of ownership
  • Include all costs : Licensing, implementation, training, and maintenance.
  • Optimal process :
    1. Conduct a cost analysis : Estimate direct and indirect costs.
    2. Calculate ROI : Compare costs with expected benefits.
    3. Track costs while in use : Adjust budgets if necessary.
  • Recommended tools : Financial management tools like QuickBooks or SAP, and ROI calculators available online.
• Case studies and testimonies
  • Analyzing feedback from other businesses
  • Optimal process :
    1. Search for case studies : Read testimonials and implementation reports.
    2. Evaluate the results obtained : Compare the benefits achieved with your expectations.
    3. Consult experts : Seek the advice of training and LMS experts.
  • Recommended tools : Reports from consulting firms or notes and testimonies on platforms like CapTERRA.

Step 6: Plan the implementation

Deployment and adoption

• Implementation plan
  • Define the key steps : Plan the deployment, training, and launch phases.
  • Optimal process :
    1. Develop a detailed schedule : Specify the dates of each stage.
    2. Assign responsibilities : Clarify the roles of each member of the project team.
    3. Set up checkpoints : Monitor progress and adjust the plan if necessary.
  • Recommended tools : Project management tools like Microsoft Project or Monday.com.
• Training and support
  • Preparing user training
  • Optimal process :
    1. Develop training modules : Create content adapted to different users.
    2. Organize training sessions : Offer face-to-face and online training.
    3. Set up technical support : Ensure ongoing support after deployment.
  • Recommended tools : tool-author platforms that use educational artificial intelligence that make it possible to automate the development of truly effective content for skills development.

Conclusion

Choosing an LMS is a strategic step that requires a methodical and collaborative approach. By following this guide, training managers and leaders can ensure that they select an LMS that is tailored to the specific needs of their business, while drawing on recommendations from cognitive science research to maximize educational effectiveness.

To learn more about our solutions and find out how Didask can meet your training needs, visit our site.
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