Running head: RIORDAN LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROPOSAL

Riordan Learning Management System Proposal

Javier Ponce de Leon
Michael Woodard
Kristen Turner
Lewis Weaver,
Ray Ward
CIS/207
January 12, 2015
IKE SHIA

RIORDAN LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROPOSAL

Contents
Executive Summary.........................................................................................................................1
Company Background.................................................................................................................1
Stakeholders.................................................................................................................................1
Business/Product or Services.......................................................................................................1
Current Training Process.............................................................................................................1
Business Requirements................................................................................................................1
Creation........................................................................................................................................1
Changes to Business....................................................................................................................1
Proposed Solution............................................................................................................................1
Benefits for Riordan....................................................................................................................1
Description of LMS Components and Product Information........................................................1
Crossknowledge backend Platform.............................................................................................1
Information Flow and Access......................................................................................................1
Mobile Capabilities......................................................................................................................1
Deployment and Usage................................................................................................................1
Use of the LMS............................................................................................................................1
Information used in the System...................................................................................................1
Security and Ethical Concerns.....................................................................................................1
Workstation LMS Requirements.................................................................................................1
Summary......................................................................................................................................1
References....................................................................................................................................1

RIORDAN LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROPOSAL

Executive Summary

Company Background
Riordan Manufacturing is a global plastics manufacturer employing 550 people with projected
annual earnings of $46 million. The company is wholly owned by Riordan Industries, a Fortune
1000 enterprise with revenues in excess of $1 billion.
Its products include plastic beverage containers produced at its plant in Albany, Georgia, custom
plastic parts produced at its plant in Pontiac, Michigan, and plastic fan parts produced at its
facilities in Hangzhou, China. The company's research and development is done at the corporate
headquarters in San Jose. Riordan's major customers are automotive parts manufacturers, aircraft
manufacturers, the Department of Defense, beverage makers and bottlers, and appliance
manufacturers.
The company was founded by Dr. Riordan, a professor of chemistry, who had obtained several
patents relative to processing polymers into high tensile strength plastic substrates. Sensing the
commercial applications for his patents, Dr. Riordan started Riordan Plastics, Inc. in 1991.
Initially, the company's focus was on research and development and the licensing of its existing
patents, but in 1992 Dr. Riordan obtained venture capital which he used to purchase a fan
manufacturing plant in Pontiac, MI. At that time, the company's name was changed to "Riordan
Manufacturing, Inc." In 1993, the company expanded into the production of plastic beverage
containers when it acquired a manufacturing plant in Albany, GA.
The company's most recent expansion took place in 2000 when it opened its operations in China.
At that time, the entire fan manufacturing operation was moved from Michigan to China and the
Pontiac, MI facility was retooled for the manufacture of custom plastic parts.

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Stakeholders
1. Chief Information Officer
Dr. Michael Riordan
2. Chief Operating Officer
Hugh McCauley
3. Dir. of Acct. & Finance
Donald Bryson
4. Director of Human Resources
Yvonne McMillan
5. V.P Sales and Marketing
Charles Lacy
6. Chief Information Officer
Maria Trinh

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Business/Product or Services
Riordan manufacturing employs 550 people and projected annual earnings in excess of
$46 million. Riordan Industries that wholly owns Riordan Manufacturing is a fortune 1000
company that has annual revenues in excess of $1 billion dollars. Some of the products produced
by Riordan Manufacturing include plastic bottles, medical devices, heart valves, and various
other custom plastic parts. Riordan manufacturing has a vast customer base that includes
government contracts, auto parts manufacturers, aircraft manufacturers, beverage producers, and
appliance manufacturers (Riordan, 2006).

Current Training Process

Currently Riordan relies on the Six Sigma training technique along with team based
cross-training at each branch. They also conduct onsite training sessions via a HR employee
relations specialist on an as-needed basis. Topics trained by this specialist include goal setting,
scheduling, selection processes, and managing conflict.

Business Requirements
The primary business requirement that is driving the new Learning Management System
proposal is the need for a portable distance learning solution due to Riordan having locations
throughout the U.S and in China. Current training methods at Riordan require the physical
presence of a trainer at the location with all of the training material in tow. This adds a
substantial cost to any new project in the form of travel and accommodation expenses, as well as
time lost due to travelling, which may cause projects to come in over-budget. The current
training method also requires having the training personnel at the one single location, limiting
the ability of having more than one single project being worked on at a time. Another concern
that Riordan expressed was the way they are limited by having to implement training from
centralized locations, and having no mobile access flexibility to both management and employee.

RIORDAN LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROPOSAL

There are some other systems currently being discussed that are separate from the LMS project.
One of them was the need for a new Human Resources Information System. (HRIS). While the
Crossknowledge LMS is not a HRIS, it does address current concerns and business requirements
which are explained below.

Creation
The Crossknowledge LMS platform will address this specific business requirement by providing
Riordan with easy and readily accessible training solutions that can be managed and utilized by
both management and employees via a single sign-on web portal. In addition to enabling simple
access to Riordans users, this will enable the company to develop and enact training for new or
existing projects without the need of the training personnel to be physically at the location of the
project. This will provide a great return of income due to the cost savings in travel expenses
previously incurred on all off-site projects.
The mobility requirement is met by one particular aspect of the Crossknowledge LMS,
which is the software as a service platform that Crossknowledge uses, which allows all end user
flexibility and mobility by not having to be strapped down to one specific location to complete
their training. Since the system is hosted on the Crossknowledge network there will be very little
disruption to the existing Riordan system components and actually enhances some of the already
existing systems.

Changes to Business
Whenever new technology is employed there are always concerns over issues which may
arise with existing IT systems. Our proposed LMS has streamlined the integration process with
its ability to easily interface with Riordans SAP based, human resource system. It also has the
ability to integrate with other ERPs, such as Oracles PeopleSoft, in the event a switch over were
to take place. With an API that includes over 80 functions, it can operate with additional talent
management packages such as Cornerstone and Success factor. This flexibility affords Riordan

RIORDAN LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROPOSAL

the customization it needs for an effective training solution, without locking to one single
publisher.

RIORDAN LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROPOSAL

Proposed Solution
In order to improve Riordans business we would like to supplement a new training
system for Riordans workers. This training system will utilize long distance learning as a means
to cut down on the training cost associated with new project development. The main proprietary
software that will be used is the Cross Knowledge Learning Suite which comes from global
education software provider Wiley Incorporated. This learning management system, or LMS,
will allow Riordan training departments to easily configure training lessons and employ them on
Riordans wide area network through local workstations or mobile devices. The interface will be
accessible through the intranet to all employees as well as being compatible with Riordans HR
IS (Human Resource Information System). The software can use customizable e-learning
content, videos, virtual classrooms, assessments, and other collaborative activities to give
Riordan a high return on their training investment. Both the design and administering of the
training can be rapidly employed through guided tutorial wizards, which are offered in the
software suite. Cross Knowledge also provides multi-language support which will allow
localization to Riordans China branch.

RIORDAN LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROPOSAL

Benefits for Riordan

As an international company, Riordan Manufacturing has special needs for their training when
new projects arise. As a company who is carefully watching their budget, and seeking
alternatives to their current situation, it would be beneficial for Riordan to implement a Learning
Management System (LMS) for their training needs. Not only would a virtual LMS allow for
easier international internal communication, it would save the company time and money. Time
and budget that may have been spent on travel, hotels, rental cars, and arbitrary costs can now be
focused elsewhere, decreasing the budget required for training and increasing the productivity of
the workers.
Training would also be more effective, allowing seamless language integration for their
international sectors, access to training materials on the go, and HR integration that will allow
management to track training completion and performance. Between saving time, money, and
resources, providing Riordan with a quality Learning Management System will allow them to
broaden their horizons and save their budget in the process

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Description of LMS Components and Product Information

There are various components to an LMS. There are a few common features of an LMS
system. Depending on the requirements of the client and what type of training is to be deployed
that will establish which components beyond the common capabilities will be implemented. Our
Client Riordan has expressed that the LMS must have mobile access and usage capabilities so we
will be deploying Crossknowledge Learning Suite some of the Key components that will service
the client are as follows.
1. HR integration for tracking performance goals, course completions, and Group
deployment of courses using the integration APIs to merge with the existing HR
Information Systems.
2. Multilanguage Management allows for the deployment of training objects to different
countries, the system recognizes the original language of the course content, so there will
be no need to make different slides for your training materials in different languages.
3. Manager access for approving materials and participation.
4. My management TV application which allows a user to learn and take his training
courses on mobile devices, from wherever there is an internet connection.
5. SaaS and cloud-based System that will allow users from all different company locations
to collaborate in real time with each other. Also saving the company cost by using a
hosted service.
6. Community on Demand application is used to develop an intuitive and easy training
portal that users can access on-line and help management personnel to administer all
areas of training, sending updates and reminders, as well as receiving feedback from the
users with automatic notifications.
7. a single, customizable learner interface that generates four to five times more logins than
the market average
8. All learning methods (face-to-face, e-learning, virtual classrooms, self-assessment,
downloadable documents, videos, etc.) are available from a single website and arranged

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in highly intuitive training sequences offering users a simple, flexible and productivityenhancing working environment.
9. simple, intuitive training path development and enrolment functions
10. It can take less than five minutes to develop a blended learning path and enroll your first
group of learners. Enrolment can be completed for either single learners or groups, in
bulks or rule-based, automatically enrolling an entire target population on a training
session.
11. management and integration of all types of training content
12. Training on Demand is available in SaaS mode and is compatible with the clients' HRIS.
It can integrate all content types (Scorm or AICC, office software, quizzes, URLs, virtual
classrooms, face-to-face lesson planning, etc.).
13. highly detailed and personalized operational and analytical tracking allows optimal
management of training initiatives
14. Each person involved in the training initiative (tutors, course managers, training
department) has access to both information for use and to learning objects. Dashboards
and activity reports can be linked to contents, learners, groups and /or courses.
15. by default access to off-the-shelf blended learning paths
16. Crossknowledge Best in Class product presents summaries of the most effective training
courses designed by Crossknowledge clients. They allow you to skip the development
phase for the most recurring subjects, which cover 80 % of the expressed needs.
17. advanced multilingual management which permits to roll out blended learning paths at a
global level
18. The multilingual functionality simplifies and reinforces the localization of learning
platforms and courses offered to multilingual populations. All these localizations can be
carried out via import/export of excel files.
19. learner profile management
20. Training on Demand is a customizable platform offering learners the possibility to fill in
and edit their profiles. On top of the standard fields, this profile can include new ones
such as role in company, centers of interest, etc.
21. Training on Demand is fully compatible with leading LMS systems

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Crossknowledge backend Platform

Our Learning Portal platform mainly uses the LAMP technical stack (Linux / Apache / MySQL /
PHP), which is our target environment for all new developments.

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Information Flow and Access

The chart below reflects how Riordans corporate system functions. The map may show
simple processes and how they work. To further explain the chart I will go into specific detail.
There are many duties carried out over Riordans network, to be exact it is split up into
Corporate, Marketing, Finance, and Human Resources. To add to the list there is also the
consumer end of the network, which allows customers to logon and view the website. The
network is split up into many servers and function, this is set up to allow consumers and
employees, as well as the employer, to access the network flawlessly without lag and massive
clogging up of the network.
The system is also divided up into two separate categories. The first configuration is to allow
non-trainee users administrative access to the system. The second configurations is for the
training employees to be provided access to the systems learning courses. This is also done to
avoid backup on the network. At Riordan we try our best to ensure the customer and the
employee have access the network simultaneously without delay. We take strong pride in our
systems and hope that it will help Riordan to the fullest.

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Mobile Capabilities
As part of our mission to provide access to Riordans knowledge base, Cross Knowledge
has taken great care to make its website accessible to all. The definition of accessibility by the
World Wide Web Consortium is to "put the internet and its services at the disposal of all
individuals, whatever their hardware or software requirements, their network infrastructure, their
native language, their cultural background, their geographic location, or their physical or mental
aptitudes". With this in mind, Cross Knowledge has been developed in such a way as to offer
accessibility to all users. It is designed to be used by people with visual, hearing, motor,
cognitive, neurological, or age-related disabilities that may affect their ability to access on-line
content or services.
Cross knowledge has many great benefits and services for those who take advantage of
the many opportunities it offers. One of the major concerns for companies is whether a new
system can be compatible with existing infrastructure. The answer to this question is yes. This is
because Cross knowledge is accessible by all mobile platforms on the market. Cross Knowledge
has even gone the extra mile and develop a system for those who have disabilities.
Not only does Cross Knowledge provide a solid LMS, but it also provides on-the-go
access to its content, branching out across platforms and devices. The system provides
downloadable apps that allow access to courses, assessments, course management, and system
content that otherwise might only be viewed on a desktop. Mobile web browsing is supported,
allowing those who do not wish to download an app, or cannot download an app, to access the
same content without worry. Clients can access the system via their desktops, laptops, tablets,
and/or phones, given they meet system requirements. Whether Riordan wants to train its
employees on site, or on-the-go, Cross Knowledge has plenty of options for their needs.

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Deployment and Usage

Use of the LMS

The business requirement will affect the use of the LMS by enabling all employees to
have on-the-go access as long as they have a compatible device. Current mandatory training
requirements are only offered on certain dates of the month and not accessible via the web.
Training personnel will now be able to create training material, as well as administer workshops
and courses all from whatever location they are currently in. Also, by being able to work on
multiple projects at one time, this increases worker productivity which lowers project cost. One
area that this business requirement is going to affect the use of another system is the current
HRIS, which was installed in 1992 and stores employee data on Excel spreadsheets. Part of this
data is the training and development records that are stored locally by the training and
development specialist. This will now be kept on the Crossknowledge LMS, which can be
accessed and updated from any web browser.

Information used in the System

To be able to deploy the system and incorporate it to the companys existing systems, the system
will require certain Information from Riordan, such as network layout, server and network
systems information, current workstation hardware and software components, security protocols
being used in the active system, database management system currently being used and we will
need to know who will be the administrators of the new system, they will responsible for
managing access rights to the LMS such as who can upload new training modules and any other
learning materials that the employees will use. We need the types of training that are going to
published using the new LMS so we can incorporate certain services in the LMS so it can be
utilized to its full potential and so we can meet the Riordan requirements for the project.

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Security and Ethical Concerns

All communications between our customers and other affiliates are all
made over encrypted hard lines. Confidentiality is merely only the
beginning, when production information is given out, or anything along
those lines where consumer data could be given out, random codes are
generated to halt any means of it being tracked back to you. We now offer
strong and secure 256-bit (AES) encryption when doing any business over
the internet with or accessing your account through us. We use the latest and
greatest hardware and security software known to the business world. We
have never had a security breach and intend to keep it that way. So go ahead
and trust us, everyone else does, and youll be sure to see why.
Riordan has been established on good practices, fair agreements, and a
code of conduct with our employees. We are an equal opportunity employer,
which means we do not discriminate in any way shape, or form. On another
note, we also have business ethics for our company. We comply and adhere
to all rues, laws and regulations including those dealing with trade or
overseas operation throughout our company. We have a reputation to uphold
here at Riordan, and that is nothing less than perfect, as well as
customer/consumer, employee, stockholder, and partnership loyalty.

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Workstation LMS Requirements

Sound card

Activated (headphones are required for most content)

RAM

2 GB (4GB preferred, depending on the OS)

Screen resolution

1024*768

Windows operating

Windows XP, Vista, Seven, 8 (Desktop mode only, Tablet mode is not supported

system

for now)

Apple operating
system

Internet Explorer

Mac OSX (10.4) with Firefox or Chrome

6SP2 or higher (please consider #Chrome Frame for a better experience when
using IE6/IE7)

Firefox

latest version

Chrome

latest version

Opera

latest version
Only "Medium and High" ciphers are allowed (HIGH: MEDIUM: ADH). Only SSLv3

HTTPS

and TLSv1 protocols are supported.

Popup blocker for

your URL

Tablet

Disabled

compatibility
Crossknowledge LMS is compatible with iPad (2, 3, 4 and mini) - additional requirements may
be needed for the content hosted on the LMS.
Compatibility with Android tablets is made and supported.
Macromedia Flash (Crossknowledge Sessions)

9.0.124 or higher

Macromedia Flash (Other content)

10 or higher

RIORDAN LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROPOSAL

PDF plugin

Adobe Acrobat Reader (any version)

Java (for Desktop contents)

JVM 1.5 or higher

21

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Summary
To summarize, the initial business requirement will bring many new tools to the Riordan
team for training purposes. It will also benefit other sections of business, showing the company
management that with newer technology, the need for role-specific systems are no longer
needed, and they can be replaced with systems that can bring collaboration within the companys
departments.

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References

Source: TrainingIndustry.com - Press Releases

"CrossKnowledge provides 15,000 plus learning contents (i.e. online sessions, selfassessments, action tips, videocasts, business reviews, etc.) that cover more than 100
business management and leadership topics."
Reference Page Entry
CrossKnowledge and Kaplan EduNeering Join Forces to Offer Leadership and Management
Training Content on Award-Winning Learning Platform. (2011). Retrieved from
https://www.trainingindustry.com/leadership/press-releases/crossknowledge-and-kaplaneduneering-join-forces-to-offer-leadership-and-management-training-content-on-awardwinning-learning-platform.aspx

Source: CrossKnowledge.com - Awards

"At Brandon Halls 2014 Excellence in Technology Awards, the CrossKnowledge
Learning Suite took home gold for the Best Advance in Learning Management
Technology, while the CrossKnowledge Hub and Mohive each earned silver awards for
Best Advance in Unique Learning Technology, Best Advance in Content Authoring
Technology, respectively."
Reference Page Entry
CrossKnowledge Honored as Top E-Learning Company by 2014 Brandon Hall Excellence in
Technology Awards. (2014). Retrieved from
http://www.crossknowledge.com/en_GB/elearning/media-center/news/brandonhallexcellence-awards-2014.html

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Source: CrossKnowledge.com - Phillips Case Study

"Philips has established a unique learning framework so that no matter in which part of
the organisation or in which location employees work, they can always have
access to development opportunities that are common across all jobs."
Reference Page Entry
Philips chooses a learner centric approach. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.crossknowledge.com/uploads/filemngr/EN/case-studies/hitechtelecom/philips.pdf

Source: CrossKnowledge.com - Loreal Case Study

"Thanks to CrossKnowledge solutions, all staff members have access to training that
allows them to develop their skills, gain new insights, and move forward in their careers."
Reference Page Entry
LOral takes care of its staff using distance training. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.crossknowledge.com/uploads/filemngr/EN/case-studies/new/Loreallearning.pdf

Source: CrossKnowledge.com - Jaguar Land Rover Case Study

"Early data coming out of Jaguar Land Rovers training operation indicates that when
content creators use the Mohive solution it shaves authoring time down by between 80
and 90 percent: A process that routinely took anything from five to ten weeks is now
taking as little as five days."
Reference Page Entry

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Jaguar Land Rovers training operation drives course authoring time down by 90
percent. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.crossknowledge.com/uploads/filemngr/FR/temoignages/industrie/PDF/Jaguar
LandRover.pdf

Source: CrossKnowledge.com - Coca-Cola Enterprises Case Study

"After a year of using Mohive, CCE has created around 15 courses and has made the
platform available to everyone in the L&D team."
Reference Page Entry
Sales training with sparkle Coca-Cola Enterprises refreshes its training philosophy powered
by Mohive eLPS. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.crossknowledge.com/uploads/filemngr/EN/case-studies/consumergoods/Coca-Cola-elearning-case-study.pdf