Manual Methods Still Dominate Training

By: Justin Ferriman • April 17, 2014
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Despite an era of apps, online training methods, and learning management system automation, there are still a large number of organizations that rely upon manual methods for delivery and tracking.

Not just small companies, but large ones!

According to one study conducted by the folks at SoftwareAdvice.com, roughly 36% of LMS purchasers they encounter reported that they were still using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and live training instructors for the majority of their training needs.

Just as surprising was that the majority of these respondents have revenues of at least $6 million! Needless to say, if anyone could afford a robust learning management system, its these folks.

Why Is This Happening?

I would venture to guess that there are two main reason why a large portion of companies (at least the ones from this particular study) are behind the times with elearning and learning management systems.

First, the elearning and LMS industry can be intimidating. The abundance of providers and services out there actually can have a negative impact. With so many options and choices, people will often be afraid to choose one for fear of choosing the “wrong” one.

As a result, there is in-action.

The other possible reason (and more probable) is the perception issue the training industry is constantly battling – in particular, that it is all “fluff”.

I know this to be true because I have seen it first-hand on numerous occasions when consulting. Training is often harder to tie to the revenues of a business that it is often the first expense cut when a company is going through financial troubles.

This of course couldn’t be further from the truth as tying training to ROI metrics is very possible.

Still, I see these as two major roadblocks preventing organizations from ditching their archaic training practices.

What Can Be Done?

It’s all about educating companies not on learning management features but instead on the benefits. Organizations want to know “what’s in it for them” – this is the language that LMS providers must speak.

Better yet, loop it back to the business benefit – and if possible, how it will improve their bottom line as this is the language everyone speaks.

 

Reference:
Software Advice Study

Justin Ferriman

Justin started LearnDash, the WordPress LMS trusted by Fortune 500 companies, major universities, training organizations, and entrepreneurs worldwide. He is currently founder & CEO of GapScout. Justin’s Homepage | GapScout | Twitter