Harvard Case - Information Systems Acquisition Decisions: Learning Management System of SolBridge
"Information Systems Acquisition Decisions: Learning Management System of SolBridge" Harvard business case study is written by Tahir Hameed, Bobby Swar. It deals with the challenges in the field of Information Technology. The case study is 13 page(s) long and it was first published on : Nov 1, 2016
At Fern Fort University, we recommend SolBridge adopt a hybrid approach to their Learning Management System (LMS) acquisition, leveraging a combination of open-source and commercial software solutions. This strategy will allow SolBridge to balance cost-effectiveness with the necessary functionality and scalability for their growing international presence.
2. Background
SolBridge International School of Business, a South Korean institution with a global outlook, is facing the challenge of managing its learning resources effectively. The current LMS, Moodle, while functional, lacks the advanced features and integration capabilities needed to support SolBridge's ambitious growth plans. The school is considering various options for a new LMS, including open-source platforms like Moodle and commercial solutions like Blackboard and Canvas.
The case study highlights the key stakeholders involved:
- Dr. Kim, Dean of SolBridge: Driven by a vision of internationalization and a desire for a more robust learning platform.
- Professor Park, IT Manager: Concerned about the technical aspects of implementation and the potential costs associated with different LMS options.
- Students: Desire a user-friendly and engaging learning experience with access to diverse learning resources.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
To analyze SolBridge's situation, we can utilize the Porter's Five Forces framework to understand the competitive landscape of the LMS market and the Value Chain Analysis to assess SolBridge's internal capabilities and potential for innovation.
Porter's Five Forces:
- Threat of New Entrants: The LMS market is relatively mature, but new players continue to emerge, particularly in the open-source space. This creates a competitive pressure on existing players.
- Bargaining Power of Buyers (SolBridge): SolBridge has a moderate bargaining power due to its size and specific requirements. However, the availability of various LMS options gives them leverage in negotiating terms.
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers: The LMS market is dominated by a few major players, giving them some bargaining power. However, the availability of open-source alternatives provides SolBridge with options.
- Threat of Substitute Products: Other learning platforms, such as online courses and video conferencing tools, can serve as substitutes for LMS. This increases the competitive pressure on LMS providers.
- Rivalry Among Existing Competitors: The LMS market is highly competitive, with players like Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, and others vying for market share. This competition drives innovation and price pressure.
Value Chain Analysis:
- Inbound Logistics: SolBridge needs to ensure efficient procurement of digital resources and integration with the LMS.
- Operations: The LMS should be user-friendly, scalable, and support various learning modalities.
- Outbound Logistics: SolBridge needs to ensure seamless distribution of learning materials and communication with students.
- Marketing and Sales: The LMS should be marketed effectively to attract students and faculty.
- Service: SolBridge requires strong technical support and ongoing training for faculty and students.
4. Recommendations
SolBridge should adopt a hybrid LMS strategy combining the benefits of open-source and commercial software:
- Core Functionality: Utilize a robust open-source platform like Moodle for core functionalities such as course management, assignments, and communication. This provides cost-effectiveness and flexibility.
- Advanced Features: Integrate commercial software solutions for specific functionalities like:
- Learning Analytics: Leverage a commercial platform like Canvas or Blackboard for advanced analytics to track student progress and personalize learning experiences.
- Mobile Learning: Integrate a platform like Moodle Mobile or Canvas Mobile to provide students with seamless access to learning materials on their mobile devices.
- Video Conferencing: Integrate a platform like Zoom or Microsoft Teams to facilitate online collaboration and live lectures.
- Customization and Integration: Employ a team of developers to customize the open-source platform and ensure seamless integration with the commercial solutions. This allows SolBridge to tailor the LMS to its specific needs and optimize user experience.
5. Basis of Recommendations
This recommendation is based on the following considerations:
- Cost-effectiveness: Utilizing open-source software for core functionalities significantly reduces costs compared to fully commercial solutions.
- Functionality and Scalability: The hybrid approach allows SolBridge to leverage the best features of both open-source and commercial platforms, ensuring a robust and scalable LMS.
- Flexibility and Customization: Open-source software allows for greater customization and integration with other systems, enabling SolBridge to tailor the LMS to its specific needs.
- Internationalization: The hybrid approach allows SolBridge to cater to diverse learning needs and preferences across its international student body.
- Future-proofing: The hybrid approach allows SolBridge to easily adapt to emerging technologies and trends in the education sector.
6. Conclusion
Adopting a hybrid LMS strategy is the most effective approach for SolBridge. It balances cost-effectiveness with functionality, scalability, and customization, enabling the school to achieve its ambitious growth goals and provide a high-quality learning experience for its diverse student body.
7. Discussion
Alternative Options:
- Fully Commercial LMS: This option provides a comprehensive solution but comes at a higher cost.
- Fully Open-Source LMS: This option offers cost-effectiveness and flexibility but may lack advanced features and require significant customization.
Risks:
- Integration Challenges: Integrating open-source and commercial software can be complex and require technical expertise.
- Maintenance Costs: Maintaining a hybrid LMS requires ongoing effort and resources.
Key Assumptions:
- SolBridge has the technical expertise to customize and maintain the hybrid LMS.
- SolBridge has the financial resources to invest in the initial setup and ongoing maintenance.
8. Next Steps
- Form a Project Team: Assemble a team of IT professionals, faculty, and students to oversee the LMS implementation.
- Conduct a Proof of Concept: Pilot test the chosen open-source and commercial platforms to assess their suitability and integration capabilities.
- Develop a Detailed Implementation Plan: Outline the steps, timelines, and resources required for the LMS implementation.
- Train Faculty and Students: Provide comprehensive training on the new LMS to ensure effective use and adoption.
- Monitor and Evaluate: Continuously monitor the LMS performance and gather feedback from faculty and students to ensure ongoing improvement and optimization.
By implementing these steps, SolBridge can successfully adopt a hybrid LMS strategy that supports its internationalization goals, enhances its learning experience, and positions the school for continued success in the global education landscape.
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Case Description
SolBridge, a young business school in South Korea, acquired an open-source learning management system (LMS) in early years of its operation. It switched to an on-premises proprietary LMS a few years later. However, before renewal of its annual license SolBridge was caught in a typical dilemma of information systems acquisition (IS acquisition), i.e., keeping the costs lowest while maximizing user and organizational benefits. The decision was made more complex by newly available cloud-hosting options. SolBridge CIO analyzed the total cost of ownership (TCO) and benefits of several options before recommending one of them to school management. This case provides senior undergraduate or graduate students with an opportunity to assume the role of SolBridge CIO and analyze TCO for its next LMS. Not only will they realize the managerial challenges involved in selection and acquisition of enterprise information systems but they will also learn about the economic feasibility of on-premises and cloudhosting options. It also becomes visible to them that organizations grapple with unceasing technological and organizational changes. Therefore, flexibility and scalability emerge as key elements of modern IT infrastructure.
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