IT infrastructure assessments provide baseline information about the current

48 Learning Management System  Do you need content development tools?  Do you need specific noctent display facility such as mathematical notations, flash player, Java applet, etc?  Do you require a competency module that helps define skills gaps for building individualized learning plans?  Is there an e-commerce piece?  Will you build links to additional organization or external information sources?  Does a synchronous online component enable e-mentoring and the creation of online learning communities?  Do you need online assessment capabilities?  Will you need to connect to external communities, such as suppliers or customers? The next step after conducting internal assessment is procurement in case to buy or LMS searching and evaluation. See the evaluation criteria as described on chapter 3. After find- ing the required LMS that meet defined functionality, the last step is to implement it. The standard implementation process begins with development of an Interface Requirements Document IRD that specifies all of the LMS touch points, such as where software interfaces exist or will need to be constructed. There are three primary sections of the IRD. The first component describes content requirements and, more specifically, content that will be loaded onto the LMS platform. The second segment addresses one- time data migration, which includes existing databases that need to be loaded. Examples are students databases, student learning records, course catalogs, and so forth. The third component defines databases that must integrate with the LMS. In this case, data flows in a continuous stream between a database and the LMS. Examples might include integration with an existing academic system application, or a synchronous learning application outside of the standard LMS offering e.g. external videoconference system. The final step is to prepare an Implementation Design Document IDD that outlines the process and procedural steps necessary to load the LMS and implement its interface requirements. The IDD will contain actual screen shots, database tables, and integration methodology for each of the LMSs touch points. It will also serve as the roadmap for testing all connections, databases, and the functionality of each page; simulating full-load conditions referred to as a stress test; and listing procedures for signing off on final acceptance of the application. In relation to LMS selection, Egan 2002 reminded the top 10 LMS purchasing mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Skirting senior management. If you don’t make a persuasive business case to senior

management early, you’ll have a hard time getting their signatures on the purchase order. More important, be sure to present your case in terms your organization leaders can relate to. Learning isn’t about altruism; it’s about creating smarter employees and a measurable competitive advantage for companies.

2. Failing to spell out your needs. If you don’t enumerate your needs from the first

conversations with your LMS vendor--and clarify the technical environment and