To outsource or not to outsource your organization's KM, CM, and/or learning initiatives ... that's the question, isn't it?
Issues to Consider in Deciding Whether to Outsource Learning and Knowledge Development and Delivery: The knowledge capture and dissemination models have grown, although not without problems, over the last few years. Many organizations have recognized the cost and convenience benefits of outsourcing learning organization initiatives and services. Learning initiatives delivered online may be your answer. Online, or distance, education and training may be developed and delivered in-house or outsourced and may be combined with face-to-face delivery. Let us help you pick the solution that is right for you.
Consider outsourcing if…
Benefits of outsourcing: ·Rapid deployment - no need to wait to buy the next software upgrade ·No software ownership results in substantial reduction in software management tasks and related costs ·Allows faculty or training staff to focus on the development of content, and not be distracted by having to learn new authoring systems ·Access to NMA support services ·Custom branding of content You should consider outsourcing if: ·Your needs are small or infrequent, and do not justify investment in an in-house system ·You are undecided about investing in online learning and/or online executive training, and want to test it out (we develop your solution, and you can run on your server or we can run it on ours) ·You have existing electronic or printed content, but not in a Web-deliverable format ·You don't want to end up with a "textbook on the Web" but want benefit from the experience of the outsourcing provider in working with other organizations to create an integrated, interactive, learning experience ·You need training for facilitators For universities, for example, it makes more sense to allow faculty to spend their time on what they do well; prepare and teach course materials. If a faculty member writes a book, they don't usually print, bind, and sell it themselves... So why do the equivalent for online learning? Other outsourcing questions to consider include: ·Have you calculated the total, real, costs of setting up an in-house distance learning system?
For example see: Is Distance Learning Worth It? Helping to Determine the Costs of Online Courses. Brian M. Morgan,
·Does the system support Knowledge Management? ... facilitator and course expert participation in moderated discussions and knowledge sharing? ·Is instruction provided for course facilitators and mentors? ·Who has control over course content? Do you have an Intellectual Property Policy in place for distance learning? ·Does the outsourcing provider have experience in traditional education as well as non-traditional delivery. Do they understand the culture and politics of learning? Do they understand technology? ·How is my data protected from unauthorized uses? ·How often is data backed up and what methods are used? ·Is "uptime" guaranteed? ·How do you terminate the agreement and retrieve all your content?
What does it cost to have Nelson Management Associates
develop, deploy, or deliver my knowledge capture and dissemination? What does it cost to have NMA oversee and administrate my entire knowledge management (KM) and corporate memory (CM) programs?
In developing effective learning and knowledge solutions, one size does not fit all. We review each need individually and present you with a cost estimate. Questions? Need to discuss your needs? Contact: solutions@nmainc.net and we will be glad to discuss you needs without obligation.
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