How to Build a Business Case for a Modern Learning Management System

By Craig Maurer, Director of Client Services, Expertus

Like many companies today, you’ve probably outgrown your legacy learning management system. Maybe it can’t scale to meet your larger user numbers or global audiences. Or, maybe it’s too hard to use or lacks modern features such as a great mobile app, integrations with other enterprise systems, or robust reporting and e-commerce tools.

FACT: Only 40% of LMS managers and administrators are happy with their learning management system’s ability to perform advanced capabilities. ─Expertus Future State of the LMS report

Whatever your LMS issues are, if you’re ready to move on, you need to build a solid business case for securing this major investment. In this 3-part blog series, I’ll show you how to get started, what questions to ask, and how to build your business case.

How to Get Started

Don’t make your decision to invest in a new LMS harder than it has to be. Simplify the process by following these 5 steps:

1. Do Your Research

  • Try to build your business case for a modern learning management system on common questions and solid data. This way you’re ready to handle any pushback.
  • Human capital is expensive. So, identify all of the ways you’re spending, or resourcing, to support learning. Also, look for ways that learning can impact your company’s operational efforts.
  • Explain where your LMS is currently and where you’d like it to go. Don’t be afraid to share what’s broken and map out a plan for the transition.
  • See if your company has a business case template. If so, use it!

2. Get Help Early

It’s important to identify a project champion early to help secure funding and identify potential gaps between the business and learning. Your executive sponsor should also know how to work within the system to get projects like yours approved.

3. Establish a Team

Even if you don’t plan on doing the LMS implementation, you still need to build an internal team including IT, HR, and other business leaders.

4. Set a Reasonable Timeline

When creating your timeline, factor in how long your organization’s decision-making process is when critical resources are available and other key factors such as demos, contracting, and implementation times.

5. Get, and Keep Stakeholder Support

Throughout the project, continue to communicate with business leaders and stakeholders about the real needs (and benefits) of your LMS investment. Make note of any changes and be proactive to prevent roadblocks.

These 5 steps should give you a great start in building your new LMS business case. Read Part II of this blog series to learn what key questions you should ask…