The traditional ways of sending the printed reference material or calling up for refresher classes would take eons to produce results. Even if the 'teaching' is carried out through the Internet to save time, there is no real way to assess the effectiveness of such teaching.

LMS or learning management solution could be the answer for the problem. But what is LMS?

LMS is a system that allows the local course team or LMS administrator to link learning resources and modules to individuals or groups of learners. The administrator can monitor individual and group performance, collect assessment data and transfer it to the management system for reporting and recording purposes.

"Large FMCG companies are striving to tap the rural market in a big way. So, there is a need to train a large team of sales agents. Moving them to a central location for training before sending them for marketing is not financially viable. LMS is ideal in such a situation," says Joyjit Chatterji, vice-president of Comsat Max, which has introduced the integrated LMS system in the country.

What LMS does is integrate on-job training or induction training material into a central server. This can be accessed and downloaded by employees through the Internet or intranet.

The integrated server will also have digital libraries, discussion forums and FAQs (frequently asked questions) that the employee can access.

What's more, the system allows a group of employees to interact among themselves to clarify or enhance knowledge. "What our LMS essentially does is it to make the training learner-centred rather than instructor-driven," adds Chatterji.

But he is quick to add that the introduction of LMS does not mean replacement of the entire existing system.

"One-to-one teaching has its own advantages. We are only looking at complementing the training system by making it more effective."

Chatterji adds that analysis has shown that the introduction of LMS will help companies save 50-60 per cent on the training costs.

Talking about Comsat Max's LMS system, Chatterji said the company develops the system based on individual intelligence levels. So, the content for the top-level management is different from that of the lower level management.

The course content can be developed by the firm implementing the LMS or it can be sourced from Comsat Max. Further, the administrator, normally the HR department, can conduct the testing and certification online and assess the effectiveness of the training.

Chatterji says Eicher has decided to implement Comsat Max' LMS system. "We are in advanced stages of discussions with many organisations. If you ask me a month from now, I would be able to give more names," he said.

Contact in Mumbai: Comsat Max Ltd, 5th Floor, Centre Point Building, SV Road - Juhu Rd Junction, Santa Cruz (W), Mumbai-400054, Ph. 91-22-2648 8666, Fax. 91-22-2648 8777/ sales@comsatmax.com