how to select a learning management platform (lms)

So……..You’ve Been Tasked With

Selecting An LMS?

Christopher Duffy, CISSP

Perspective

Top 10 Fears• Death• Speaking• Flying• Enclosed Spaces• Rejection• Heights• Dark• Bridges• Spiders

Goals

• Clarity on LMS Role• Time Frame• Budget• Commitment

Transparent

• Process• Structure• Updates• Demonstration• Selection

For Success

Team LeaderTask ForceExternal ConsultingSolid StructureFixed ProcessOpen Demonstrations*

Leader /Facilitator

• Technology Focused?

• Strong Communicator

• Project Management Experience

• Vendor Neutral AS possible

EMPOWERED

PROGRAMMERS

Instr. Design ADMINISTRATION

SUPPORTSTUDENTS

FACULTYTECHNOLOGY

ERP ADMINS

Team

• Primary Stakeholders• Size of Team– 33:1 = TIE

• Ensure Depth of Team– Academic– Technology– Business Office– Students

• Vested Interest?

External Expertise

• Brings Depth of Industry Experience• Provides Mediation• Ensure Structure• Shortens Timeline

• Foundation for ENTIRE Selection Process– RFP Sections /Chapters Used for Scoring – Used for Building Demo Scores– Guide for Vendors– Score Sheets for Participants

Structure

• Set Realistic Timeframes– Response to RFP– Clarification on RFP– Proposal Deadlines– Submissions by Vendors– Task Force Reviews– Demonstrations– Final Selection– Contract Negotiations

Schedule of Events

Meetings

• Build The Requirements• Set the Structure• Weigh the RFP• Take Meeting Minutes• Create Repository– Online!

• Share with Institution

RFP & Structure

• Give Background– Institution– Student Demographics– What Brought You here

• Keep it Concise• Easy to Make Complex• Great Vendor Response= Your Success

RFP

• Build Sections / Chapters• Weight Each Section• Request Digital & Paper• Have All Sent to CFO• Include All Attachments– Price Eval Form– LMS Demo Eval Form

RFP Sections

• Overview & Statement• Schedule • Vendor Qualifications• Review & Evaluation• RFP Requirements• Instructions• Disclaimer

Demonstration

• Open Up To All (RSVP)• Anyone can Vote– Must Attend ALL Demos

• 2 Hours is Not Enough• Add Q&A After Formal• No Trinkets & Trash!

Pricing

• Don’t Open!• Go Out 3 5 & 6 Year TCO• Request Breakdown:– By Module– Support Options– Training– Mobile– Integration

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

Before You Sign

• Get Legal Involved• Contract= RFP SLA• Penalties?• You Own the DATA!• Exit Strategy• DON’T BACK DOWN!

Pitfalls

• Pricing• Caught up In Bias• Schedule Ample Demo Time• Round 2?• Politics• Stick to Process!

• Wont Get Financial Statements for All• Supplied References are Worthless!*• Close the Loop with ALL Vendors• Feedback is Important• Revisit in 3-5 years

When Work Tasks You With Selecting an LMS

Christopher Duffy, CISSP