First, what is the difference between learning management and talent management?
A common misconception is that talent management and learning management are synonymous, or interchangeable, but this is not the case. Talent management has to do with human resources and employees - attracting them, teaching and developing them, and keeping them inspired and engaged. Learning management has more to do with developing and designing strategies in learning. The goal of each of these is the same - that is increasing productive outcomes and achieving business objectives. The difference though, is in the approach.
A Brief Lesson in LMS History.
A little while ago, a plethora of learning management companies were bought over by talent management companies, who began to provide LMS add-ons to talent management systems, instead of offering standalone learning management systems. These add-ons, however, did not have quite the same effect as an industry leading LMS, and people noticed - talent management industries were having a hard time selling their LMS add-ons. As well, talent management industries did not have the qualifications, or the knowledge to be able to keep up with changes in the LMS industry. New exciting things were happening in the online learning world, like gamification, social learning, and mobile learning. The new era of LMS providers were able to keep up with the times, and they thrived, while the talent management industry fell behind. This disproportion in the ability of the two industries to provide a top-quality LMS has carried over into today’s market. Talent management solutions do not compare to learning management ones, because they have not been able to adapt, evolve, or grow at the same pace as fully-equipped learning management solutions.
If you still need convincing
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Purchasing a standalone LMS allows you the freedom to choose any provider you would like. If you already have a company running your talent system, you might not have the same privilege. LMS providers may be hesitant to work with you if you are already working with a competitor - in this case, you will get stuck using your talent management provider, whether they are the best option for you or not.
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You will have to dish out more money for the pricier license models that talent management providers have. In this regard, standalone LMS providers are cheaper.
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Talent management providers often have lengthy, long-term contracts you have to commit to. If you are unhappy with the quality of their services, you will have to wait out your contract.
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As previously mentioned, talent management providers have fallen behind in the evolving digital age. There are many mobile features offered by standalone LMS providers, that talent providers simply cannot deliver.
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Talent management providers do not specialize in learning management systems - LMS are just one of many products that talent management providers endorse. Standalone LMS providers provide you with a whole and robust learning strategy, and they can still offer an integrated talent management system so you get the best of both worlds.
