| Self proclaimed learning organizations surrender to a process of human capital improvement. Each organization designs, delivers, manages and evaluates their employees using the means that match their vision. A common thread throughout many learning organizations was the need to augment their learning environment by implementing a learning management system, (LMS). Many factors help dictate the type of LMS that will meet their needs. A common procurement practice involves the creation and use of a "Request for Proposal," (RFP). The RFPs often include a written summary of the organizational learning goals and objectives. Of interest to the potential vendors is the plethora of questions that are asked of them. The questions are usually organized by categories and have "yes/no" response requests with options for narrative descriptions of LMS functionality. Much insight into organizational learning needs can be obtained through careful study of the RFPs. This study focused on 25 unique RFPs throughout a 5-year period. Five questions were studied: (1) How were the RFPs structured? (2) How are learning organizations describing learning and performance problems in need of solutions? (3) What features and functions do learning organizations request as they consider the purchase of an LMS? (4) How do LMS vendor offerings correspond to the stated business strategies of the learning organization?... |
