DocuMedia Learning Group Blog

In memory of Louis Parks

jake — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:49:00 -0700

In memory of Louis Parks
Louis was a very accomplished programmer and worked for DMLGroup for several years before accepting an offer to work for Microsoft in pursuit of his dreams. Although he left DMLGroup several years ago, his code is still in use today. Our deepest sympathy to family and friends. —Colleagues and friends at DocuMedia Learning Group

Tools and Strategies

david — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:10:00 -0700

"If you think education is expensive, try ignorance", is the first line in a whitepaper introducing our JARIS knowledge management system many years ago. It is still applicable today. Much of the efforts in organizations of all sizes revolve around reducing costs, becoming more lean, and working smarter. Although it is hard to consider a training department as a revenue stream, there are ways to empower Learners to transfer some of the direct costs (time) of training. Besides, there usually isn't any alternative to training, especially if you have a workforce with high turnover. To be successful, you must provide training resources over the full lifecycle of an employee.

By understanding and applying the correct strategies and tools, you are more likely to quickly realize a return on investment (ROI) as well as a reduction in future costs. It has really amazed me that large companies (some our clients now) have spent millions of dollars licensing tools and implementing systems without having an overall roadmap strategy for how the tools and systems fit in their environment and what problems they address; then, because of the cost, there isn't enough budget to create learning resources and training content to be successful.

As illustrated in the image below, certain challenges arise over the lifecycle of an employee, from the initial new-hire stage to attrition. The employee’s needs will change over time also. You wouldn't send all your seasoned employees through new-hire training after they return from vacation—they don't need that type of training anymore. Also, many companies train employees in batches rather than delivering training just in time.

The strategies we use address a specific stage of an employee and a specific gap as illustrated by the darker blue overlays in the Tools and Strategies image. The larger the cross-section, the more applicable the strategy and tool is in providing a solution.

One specific solution is illustrated by the wedge, which is the second object from the top that is smaller at the new-hire side and largest before attrition. This strategy and the associated tool is the knowledge management system JARIS (Job Aid Reference Information System). By training a new hire how to use JARIS and publishing the necessary knowledge therein, you empower the employee to find and use information as needed and reduce the need for additional training over the remaining lifecycle. Another, more common approach is to provide web-based training (WBT), which is represented by the top-most dark blue object. These are just two of the strategies for solving training gaps, and DMLGroup uses these strategies to reduce training time, increase employee contribution, and add value to our clients.

Business Case for Using Technology in Training

david — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:34:00 -0700

With technology advancing and new options and approaches available, many organizations are holding fast to their "old and true" traditional stand-up or lecture training without considering advantages that technology can offer. The following list is compiled to provide forward-thinking management assistance in developing a business case for implementing technology solutions into an organization's training and development functions.

Each of the following concerns lead to undesirable situations. Determining the time, cost, and lost resources for the situations below can be used as the foundation of the return-on-investment within your business case.

Training delivery is compressed due to time constraints or an over dependency on classroom space and instructor availability resulting in poorer quality instruction or missed topics.
Training occurs when a training group can accommodate the Learners instead of when business needs direct the requirement.
Business demands force postponing or even cancelling training sessions.
The training content and methodology are based on an academic model instead of a business model.
Instructors use methods directed to help and teach to the slowest learner restricting those that could become competent faster.
Training durations are determined by the speed of the Instructor and how long it takes to cover the content, not how long it takes to internalize the content to become competent.
New hire training is restricted to specific dates/times, a certain duration, or a quantity of Learners to match a schedule instead of actual demand.
The time to acquire skills or knowledge takes longer to complete than the pace at which change is occurring.
Trainees drop out of the training program in large quantities due to the length and the content of the training programs.
Trainees are more technologically skilled than instructors and are being trained to use technological applications on the job.
Insufficient instructors or facilities are available to meet the demand.
Training is updated and provided many months after the need and is never quite up to date.

The above list illustrates challenges, circumstances, and conditions when training can be a burden to the business. Technology can provide solutions to the above challenges. A future blog will explain some of these technology solutions that are provided by DMLGroup.

Tech Support

david — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:28:00 -0700

DMLGroup has been providing specific clients and projects technical support on some of our software and custom applications. The tech support experience is one that almost every large company has to provide -- some enjoy it and others disdain it. Part of that reaction is due to the variety of questions posed and the trouble folks can find on their own. (We have found that there really are dumb questions). In honor to all those that provide tech support - in any work environment - the following software tech support scenario is provided for your enjoyment. The application is:

GirlFriendPlus 1.0

Last year, my friend upgraded his GirlFriend 3.1 software to GirlFriendPlus 1.0 (marketing name: Fiancée 1.0). Just recently he upgraded Fiancée 1.0 to Wife 1.0 and it's a memory hogger, it has taken all his space; and Wife 1.0 must be running before he can do anything. Although he did not ask for it, Wife 1.0 came with Plug-Ins such as MotherInLaw and BrotherInLaw. Given this situation he has experienced, I am requesting features for my next upgrade.

Some features I'd like to see in the upcoming GirlFriend 4.0...

A "Don't remind me again" button
Minimize button
Shutdown feature
Renew cache resources subroutine
An install shield feature so that GirlFriend 4.0 can be completely uninstalled if so desired (so you don't lose cache and objects).

I tried running GirlFriend 2.0 with GirlFriend 1.0 still installed, however, they both used the same I/O port and conflicted. Then I tried to uninstall GirlFriend 1.0 but it didn't have an uninstall program. I tried to uninstall it by hand; but it put files in my system directory. Another thing that is very concerning with all versions of GirlFriend that I've used is that it is totally "object oriented" and the only supported hardware requires gold plated contacts. Cache and resource logs are systematically deleted each maintenance cycle.

* BUG WARNING ****

Wife 1.0 has an undocumented bug. If you try to install Mistress 1.1 before uninstalling Wife 1.0, be aware that Wife 1.0 will delete MSMoney files before doing the uninstall itself. Then Mistress 1.1 will refuse to install, claiming insufficient resources.

Tech Support Note: Tech Support does not recommend any version of Mistress (installed, demoed, downloaded) or similar entertainment applications, as they are completely open source and subject to a variety of viruses, trojans, as well as system crashes – cache deletion and memory leaks are only two of the millions of symptoms . The sanctity of the operating environment is threatened by such and as it states in the ULA “use at your own peril”.

NOTE: Mistress (any version) or similar virtual entertainment applications are not WYSIWYG.

Welcome to our new blog!

jake — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:45:00 -0700

Along with a minor website redesign (notice the new header?), we're launching this new blog, which will cover current happenings in the e-learning world as well as our company news and events.

Note that we've moved all the old "News & Events" articles into the blog archive for your browsing pleasure.

Check back soon...

Dr. Gordon was guest lecturer for knowledge management course

jake — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:00:00 -0700

June 30, 2009, Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah

Dr. David Gordon presented a lecture on knowledge management systems (KMSs) for Dr. Michael Sutton's knowledge management course at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Dr. Gordon's 30-minute lecture included case studies and guidelines for implementing a knowledge management system. He presented gap analysis, ROI, and applicability graphs for a general foundation before launching into the specific challenges associated with KMS adoption. The 10 min Q & A session following the presentation highlighted the high caliber of students in Dr. Sutton’s course.

Matt Cloward, a consultant and student in Dr. Sutton's course, said of Dr. Gordon's lecture, "In this economy, retaining and distributing knowledge is absolutely essential to sustaining competitive advantage. Based on the presentation, DML's knowledge management system, JARIS, is just the instrument my clients need to accomplish this task, as it provides dynamism, scalability, and, importantly, results. I look forward to partnering with DML and Dr. Gordon as a staple in my consulting."

Dr. Michael Sutton and Dr. David Gordon at Dr. Sutton's Knowledge Management Course at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah

Dr. David L. Gordon presented workshop at the 21st Annual Shingo Prize Conference

jake — Fri, 08 May 2009 22:00:00 -0700

May 6-9, Nashville, Tennessee

Each year, lean practitioners and experts from around the globe gather for the Shingo Prize Conference. At the 2009 conference in Nashville, Tennessee, Dr. David Gordon, CEO of DMLGroup, was invited to present a workshop. Dr. Gordon’s workshop was titled, "Storm Chasers: Capturing Hard-Earned Knowledge and Making It Productive."

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Dr. Gordon said, "The workshop was a great opportunity to mingle with some of the leading lean thinkers. Hopefully my workshop provided new insight and tools for furthering knowledge transition and return on investment for training initiatives."

Workshop topics included:

Putting "people in the process" to make a storm give up essential knowledge for future results, action, and benefits
A solution-oriented approach to knowledge: accumulation, storage, sharing, and transfer within the context of the Shingo Prize Model
A simplified ROI approach to identifying financial gains
An age-proven instructional model for developing better training in an interactive environment
Applications that spark new interest in knowledge management

Along with Dr. Gordon’s workshop, DMLGroup hosted an expo booth to highlight the knowledge management system JARIS and the new lean game Principle Focused: Tools, Systems, Principles.

DMLGroup looks forward to the Annual Shingo Prize Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah in 2010.

DocuMedia Learning Group's expo booth at the Shingo Prize Conference

Lean practitioners playing the game Principle Focused: Tools, Systems, Principles

Dr. Gordon with Mr. Ritsuo Shingo, the son of Shigeo Shingo (for whom the Shingo Prize is named)

DMLGroup completes LMS customization for a nationwide franchise

jake — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 22:00:00 -0700

DMLGroup has completed the customization and implementation of a learning management system (LMS) for a nationwide franchise*, which is now using the LMS to provide training and certification to franchise owners and employees across the nation.

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The organization's training director said, "...you are doing a great job. I appreciate your prompt and accurate response regarding our support. It has truly been a delight to work with you."

To learn how you can improve your training program with a customized learning management system, please contact us.

* Because of confidentiality requirements, we cannot name the nationwide franchise.

Construction continuing education courses now available for 2009 license renewals

jake — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 22:00:00 -0700

DMLGroup has completed the second round of online education courses for Utah contractors renewing their license with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). The wide range of courses, including Labor Law, Job Site Safety, and Storm Water Pollution, provides learners with several options to complete the six credits required for license renewal during the 2009 cycle.

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Ken Shulsen, ABC Utah President said, "DMLGroup is providing top-notch online continuing education courses and support for Utah licensed contractors. Their superb services help us to meet DOPL requirements and the support staff is first rate. ABC Utah is better able to meet our objectives due to our partnership with DMLGroup. I would recommend them to anyone."

The courses are available at the DocuMedia Learning Group Training Network (www.dmlgroup.net).

DMLGroup selected as exclusive Learning Technology Partner for the Shingo Prize

jake — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 22:00:00 -0700

DMLGroup is honored to announce our selection as exclusive Learning Technology Partner for the Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence organization, administered by the Utah State University Jon Huntsman College of Business. DMLGroup will provide course development and learning management hosting services to further Shingo Prize’s lean educational goals. DMLGroup will utilize our simulation and soft skill simulation (S3IM) instructional engines to teach lean concepts to learners. We will also provide our state-of-art knowledge management system, JARIS, as a new knowledge repository available by subscription to all lean practitioners.

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"We are extremely pleased to be working with Shingo from Utah State. They are a world-class organization whose goals align with DMLGroup’s goals," said DMLGroup President and Utah State University Alumni, Dr. David L. Gordon. "For over 20 years Shingo has been at the forefront of the lean revolution, and to be invited to be their technology provider, consultant, and strategic partner is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our tools, strategies, and capabilities."

This partnership gives DMLGroup the opportunity to help organizations with their lean transformations by providing training tools, systems, and strategies. This truly is a win-win-win for Shingo, DMLGroup, and lean organizations world-wide.

DocuMedia Learning Group Blog

In memory of Louis Parks

Tools and Strategies

Business Case for Using Technology in Training

Tech Support

GirlFriendPlus 1.0

***** BUG WARNING ********

Welcome to our new blog!

Dr. Gordon was guest lecturer for knowledge management course

Dr. David L. Gordon presented workshop at the 21st Annual Shingo Prize Conference

DMLGroup completes LMS customization for a nationwide franchise

Construction continuing education courses now available for 2009 license renewals

DMLGroup selected as exclusive Learning Technology Partner for the Shingo Prize

* BUG WARNING ****