Learning Technology
This article will help you identify your business need and the functionality of the learning technology needed to solve it
Why are we qualified to answer? Well, over 10 years we’ve answered multiple RFPs for the likes of Amazon, Tesco, DHL and Lego. We’ve also taken lots of challenges, from an idea to a firm scope, to a delivered project which returns organisational value. To do this we’ve developed a series of questions and consideration. So in this article we’re going to draw on this experience combined with our expertise in the learning technology world to guide you through how you can approach the RFP process. Let’s get started…
RFP’s are difficult to put together, and if done badly can lead to a lot of wasted time. So, to frame the challenge, here is a little tale…
Think of Toy story – Woody’s mission is to maintain his status as Andy’s favourite toy while ensuring the happiness and well-being of all toys in Andy’s room. When Buzz Lightyear arrives, Woody’s goals expand to include proving his worth and eventually learning to work with Buzz. As the story progresses, Woody’s mission evolves to focus on rescuing Buzz and returning them both safely to Andy. Throughout, Woody strives to lead and protect the toy community while preserving their secret lives and relationships with their owner. Complex when you think about it, like an RFP, but there are parallels. You need to understand what you’re doing, and why you’re doing it. You need to plan for the future and how those goals could change and you need understand who you’re doing it for.
How your learning project can help achieve the organisational objectives.
Everything needs a mission, Think Woodys to keep everyone safe. So you need to know:
After establishing your mission, the next steps involve identifying challenges (like Woody facing replacement by Buzz) and assessing current capabilities. This is followed by exploring new possibilities, adapting to change, and overcoming obstacles together – all of which show how you might evaluate, implement, and adapt to new learning technologies to meet your users evolving needs.
Next are some practical tips to understand the functionality you need for your learning technology.
This is a high level overview, it’ll help frame the project
Start to drill into what you need, it’ll shape the framework
Timeline and milestones – When does the organisation need it. Working back, what do you need
Who do you want to work with, what do they need to have achieved, think about why you’re asking these questions. If you’re creating Toy Story, you want to use companies that understand the world you’re creating.
To help find this out look for partners with:
Tip: Look beyond the sales pitch – Large vendors are very slick, does this mean they can meet your specific needed
Tip: The chemistry you have in the meeting is important – People are important and you need to work together
Be consistent in your approach – Ask future partners to follow the same framework, this means you can evaluate with integrity.
You may want to include information like:
Specificity is key here. You really want 5 responses you can whittle down to 3 presentations. Any more and your wasting your own time and agencies
TIps for this are:
Just as Woody and Buzz brought out the best in each other and their toy community follow this approach to find the best solution to your learning technology needs
Lastly. You may have an idea of what the solution is, but remember that you’re employing experts who may be able to recommend features that will bring you better value.
We have a Miro board full of tools and ideas to help get some of the answers to the points mentioned above. Please email to request access.
So, let’s go ‘To infinity and beyond’ (Sorry)
Written by Ben Gross
