Training for the sake of training may produce increased knowledge. Even so, that does not necessarily mean the new knowledge is aligned with the day-to-day objectives and the strategic goals of the organization.

Learning Administration or Learning Management Systems (LMS) are superset to eLearning and other learning delivery and measurement technologies. Learning Management is exactly what the name implies, a system for managing all aspects of learning — whether the learning occurs in a classroom, or in an interactive virtual classroom, or through online self-paced courseware or on-the-job.

Learning Management Systems catalog, launch and track online courseware, manage online classroom scheduling as well as student curricula and transcripts. LMSs generally are integrated or interfaced with human resources information systems.

In companies that leverage learning investments to the maximum organizational value, learning, skills and performance management technologies are married to produce prescriptive learning — that is, learning that is individually focused and driven by pre-learning assessments that dictate just the right learning content for each individual.

There are literally dozens of Learning Management Systems available that are designed for the smallest and largest corporations. And as is the case with eLearning, the options are broad and complex.

Cultura Systems, in a consulting engagement or technology acquisition process, helps its clients address critical questions like:

• What is the most effective mix of classroom and online education?
• Are there pending and compelling events to drive a learning technology investment?
• What are the technology implications associated with workforce location?
• Can one system service an internal workforce and external audience?
• Is virtual classroom technology applicable and feasible given IT constraints?
• Should eLearning be managed through internal IT resources?
• Or should eLearning be outsourced?
• Is a learning management system required as well?
• Are there HR and compliance implications that should influence decision making?
• Is applicable off-the-shelf content readily available?
• Do we need to create custom or migrate legacy content?
• What does the training delivery function cost the company today?
• Can we reduce training costs and still maintain or improve training results?
• Can we afford to do anything given the current economic conditions?
• Can we afford not to?

Cultura Systems can help ask the right questions, uncover the real answers and put strategic focus on the decision making process. Cultura can also help, where appropriate, to deploy eLearning systems that are both cost-effective and supportive of strategic goals. Cultura Systems also provides a wide range of learning related consulting services including eLearning readiness assessed through a Technology Planning engagement.