How To Implement A Successful Extended Enterprise Learning Management System: 3 Ways
The idea of online learning, as an efficient training strategy, is not new. With digitization, organizations have started choosing eLearning for workforce training and professional development. By leveraging huge investments in cutting-edge learning technologies, organizations are taking eLearning to new learners, generating more revenues, and extending the company’s brand. Implementation of Learning Management Systems is ubiquitous across diverse industry domains and learner profiles. Traditional industry leaders recognized the existing skill gaps, but there was little or no understanding of gaps in their learning technology. Today, more numbers of enterprises are reinforcing their learning efforts with modern Learning Management Systems.
With most of the organizations using LMS to cater to customized learning needs, large number of users are content companies which develop and sell e-courses to other organizations. The new-age Learning Management System builds on values for learning companies to fulfill their needs. Apart from regular employees, it is crucial to impart training to extended workforce also. They also require key business support services including marketing, finance and sales development. There are 3 basic components for an extended enterprise:
- Use of cutting-edge technology to disseminate and manage course sales with ease.
- Recognition of distribution channels that are content-ready and keen to resell organization’s content.
- Leverage of significant business activities such as sales, marketing, reporting, customer support and Project Management.
Key Values For Extended Enterprise Learning
Earlier, attention was not paid to the look-and-feel of a learning platform, as its use was restricted to delivering content in a technology-enabled format. But today, modern LMS users are tech-savvy, as well as updated with the latest developments in design. They expect great visual appeal of both content, as well as a learning platform. The decision to make an extended workforce requires mission and vision, as well as a commitment to use beneficial resources. There are 3 significant values that organizations follow for an extended enterprise learning- scope, cost and reputation.
- Scope.
Digital learning for extended enterprise opens a huge scope to reach new learners. Consequently, it helps to build a strong brand-presence among the target audience. Utilizing efficient distributing channels to provide courses lead to enhanced brand exposure.
- Cost.
With eLearning for the external workplace, organizations can generate increased revenues by selling courses to current employees, as well as external workforce. It helps them move above and beyond the sales and distribution strategy. Extended workforce incorporates Artificial Intelligence to reduce overall costs, enabling companies to collect useful data based on learners’ knowledge and experience. It serves as a lucrative business improvement strategy, that provides more stability and flexibility.
- Reputation.
With distribution of courses on a broader network, organizations are paving for ways to share their values and mission with others. It helps improving their brand presence and reputation with target audiences who can be customers, as well as suppliers, from different kinds of businesses.
Building A Strong Extended Enterprise-How Can It Be Done?
An enterprise LMS requires more than technology to boost business growth. Basically, it demands the perfect blend of quality content, learning technology and channel marketing.
1. Recognize The Distribution Channel
While most eLearning programs are implemented for workplace training benefits, they have the potential to grab the attention of target audiences on a broader platform. An adept marketing expert can help identify the network of potential learners. After that, organizations reach these learners via distribution channels, partners, and even resellers. Selling courses via efficient distribution network differs for every organization. Every step requires in-depth market analysis, as well as identification of the right audiences.
2. Develop An Effective Adoption Model
It is important to develop a business model that is profitable for distribution partners. For distributors, they receive an optimum quality, engaging training courses which are immediately available for sale. Then, they impel with the return on the resale of those courses. The next step is to market the course among the target audiences in the form of interactive collaterals, emailers, web content pages and more.
3. Utilize Technology
Learning technologies help organizations create and distribute content seamlessly, without any hassle. A plethora of powerful, analytical tools is used to track real-time performances. The feedback mechanism helps improving learners’ skills with an ability to boost business efficiency.
Most of the organizations use extended enterprise model as they find it more lucrative and cost-effective when working in collaboration with consultants and other partners. While online training begins as efficient internal programs for target audiences, organizations realize the efficacy of marketing their online courses on a bigger platform. So, when extended workforce takes a strategic business initiative and develops with a strong distribution channel, adoption model and technology, the outcomes can enormously impact an organization’s reach, reputation, and revenue. Providing e-courses through robust learning platforms ensures that the right information is provided to the right people, at the right time.
