Our Approach | Work Methodology

Our methodology helps ensure that we produce cost-effective training and e-learning programmes.

Analysis
Before designing, developing and implementing a technology-based training or assessment solution for you, we will analyse your learning needs or base the solution on your own analysis.

Instructional Design
We will produce a blueprint of the proposed solution based on the workplace competences to be addressed, the learning objectives which underpin the training or assessment programme, its structure and sequence, and its associated assessment and evaluation strategies and methodologies. Accompanying this will be a 'Briefing and Specification' document which details how the solution will be designed and how all the features will be used, including user interface and navigation.

Assets Creation
In-house, we will create and program text, 2D and 3D graphics and animations, plus audio and video assets as required by the instructional design. We can incorporate into any technology-based training or e-learning solution depending on your requirements, your technology and your IT infrastructure.

Evaluation
We will advise you on appropriate evaluation strategies and provide you with not only the methodology to support your chosen strategy but also the data collection tools. If you prefer, we can handle data collection and collation, analysis of findings, and report generation on your behalf

Project Management
To help us meet agreed timescales and budgets, we start by producing a Project Definition and Plan (PDP) document. This details the scope of the work, the resources to be used, the tasks to be undertaken, the number of man-days allocated, actual and elapsed time lines, and a risk analysis. The PDP document then acts as a 'contract' between us and you, enabling both parties to manage the project daily.

Maintenance
Many of our clients need their training or assessment programmes to be updated occasionally or regularly. We design our programmes to make future maintenance is easy and relatively inexpensive, and we can also undertake it on your behalf.

Development Process

We use a systematic approach, which we believe is essential for all training provision as it ensures well targeted and focused training. We will first create a one-module pilot version of the programme. The other modules will be created on sign-off. We propose the following steps be implemented:

Producing Project Definition and Plan (PDP)

This document contains the general design for the deliverables and provides a high level view of the package. It is the first deliverable of the design phase and serves several purposes. It ensures that both we and you proceed with a common vision of the final product to create the second deliverable, the Detailed Design. It also provides an opportunity for all parties to agree on how the package is to be designed.

The PDP will also contain detailed information concerning the project, the number and type of man-days required, a schedule of the tasks and their sequence, a risk analysis, an agreed budget and payment schedule.

Programme design
We produce a design and specification document which will include

General approach
Assets to be used
User Interface
Function and Navigation buttons
Assessment
Style and tone
Technical considerations e.g. PCs specification, authoring software features
Creative design standards to be used throughout the training programme
Editorial guidelines and conventions

Development of Program Ready Material (Script)
A paper-based training script (detailed storyboard) for the package is prepared in the form of Program Ready Material (PRM), which will specify text, audio, graphics, animation, motion video and user’s interactions.

The PRM will require sign-off by the client and will then be given to the graphic designers, multimedia programmers and audio production team to produce the multimedia-training package.

Programming
Once the Program Ready Materials have been approved, the main phase of development can begin. In this phase all programming and production of graphics will be carried out.

The team will construct the necessary elements to complete the programme. At the end of this stage a review of the programme will be produced ready for testing.

Alpha Testing
Testing by both Skills2Learn and the customer will be required to ensure that the package matches the approved script. The programmers will carry out any necessary corrections and a beta version of the package can then be produced.

Beta Testing
Corrections from the alpha phase will be tested and then a final version prepared for approval.

Final Testing and Acceptance
This should be the final release for sign-off. At this point there should be only minor changes to the programme.

Quality Techniques & Measurement

We use a number of techniques to ensure quality:

We produce solutions using a proven systems approach and sound project management procedures.
The client is required to sign off all main stages in the design, development, and production process.
We use only highly skilled and experienced staff in our projects.
All our solutions are produced in-house.
Extensive testing procedures ensure the end product is fit for purpose.

We recommend that you:

Pilot the programme on a representative sample of the target audience prior to release.
Establish critical success factors for the programme and measure the programme against these factors during production and after its release.
Obtain feedback from users.