Demystifying the Learning Management System (LMS): Journey from E-Learning to the Strategic Role

Abstract

The usage of  the term Learning Management System (LMS) has grown recently in the corporate lexicon and so has increased  the ambiguity in understanding its meaning. Being a ubiquitous   term, it is used to mean anything that relates to computerized learning or online education courses or any educational content hosted on an e-learning platform for the purpose of educating users at a distance.  A need was therefore felt to demystify the role and meaning of a LMS in a corporate environment.  This paper will not delve into its traditional definitions nor discuss it as a platform for online courses as much has been written about its evolution and significance in the domain of e-learning. This paper focuses on the strategic role that LMS has started playing in the corporate, taking the shape of a real time, strategic initiative for the purpose of talent management at the corporate level and has almost become an integral functional unit of the organization. The LMS package adopted in a corporate environment not only customizes learning of individuals and teams and offers relevant content to meet the training needs, but it also acts as a multipurpose strategic tool for the advisory on things like hiring the right talent, leadership development and successions planning, talent management, performance measurement, rewards and compensations, in all a comprehensive package to create a sustainable competitive advantage for the organization.

Keywords: business strategy, corporate learning, training needs, talent management