In continuation with last week's blog about how I came up with my evaluation tool, I would like to share the five (5) criteria I have chosen concerning selecting what emerging technologies software platform can address the needs of the business to implement a centralized learning management system (LMS):

Criterion 1: Features and Functionality  

This is a qualitative criterion that considers the features and functionality of the LMS in terms of providing content management, reporting/analytics, customization, certification management, and positive user experience. This criterion holds 35% of the weight in choosing the proper vendor. This determines the capability of the vendor to provide the primary purposes of having a centralized LMS.

Criterion 2: Scalability

This is a quantitative criterion that considers the flexibility of the platform to increase the number of users/employees as well as the number of courses and related materials (training videos, PowerPoint, pdf, infographics, animations) stored in the LMS. It should be taken into consideration that the organization may continue to grow overtime, hence the LMS could not be limited only to few courses or few number of users, as the organization considers it for long-term use. This criterion holds 10% of the weight in choosing the proper LMS vendor.

Criterion 3: Support and Training

This is a quantitative criterion that considers how long in terms of month/year the users have access to customer support including vendor’s availability of 24/7 support, and the timely and effective vendor support to the organization and users, such that they extend support via several channels like community forum, real-time chat, phone customer support, and email. This also considers the vendor’s customer support in terms of training videos, webinars, and manuals. Given that this is a new technology being proposed to the organization, vendor support and training is significant and required as there might be problems encountered while using the platform. In addition, this help assess the extent and duration of software/program warranty including repairs and replacement without additional costs to the company. This criterion holds 20% of the weight in choosing the proper vendor.

Criterion 4: Vendor History and Partners

This is a quantitative criterion that considers the history of the vendor such as the years in the industry, and successful projects and integration partnered with companies. This criterion represents how credible, reputable, and capable the vendor in the industry and that they deliver satisfactory service and performance to their clients. This criterion holds 5% of the weight in choosing the proper vendor.

Criterion 5: Cost/Pricing

This is a quantitative criterion that considers the total cost of ownership of the organization including cost structure on the fees (such as is it a subscription-based or per-user fees), billing frequency, licensing model (i.e. per user or flat rate), and will there be additional fees for additional features and integration. Given the nature of the organization, as a non-profit organization, budget is highly considered. Thus, this criterion holds 30% of the weight in choosing the best vendor that can deliver the requirements.

In my next blog, I will share the emerging technologies I researched and that are being offered in the market by various vendors and solutions providers regarding Learning Management Systems (LMS).