Definition

The Training Process Framework is a model that defines the processes associated with managing a learning organization.

Training Model Overview

The Training Process Framework was first created in 2007 by Training Industry to assist managers of training organizations with understanding what processes were inherent in managing a training organization.  The model originally identified 25 processes.

In 2008, vendor management was added to recognize that training organizations must manage this process when sourcing training services from external suppliers. This addition also signified the growth and strategic importance of sourcing for training services.

In 2012, collaboration platforms and content curation were added to recognize the growing emphasis organizations are putting on informal and social learning. Collaboration platform management involves how training organizations use and manage social media tools for training. Content curation is the process of managing the aggregation of content into learning portals. This edit to the model also combined scheduling and registration services into one process.

The framework now defines 26 processes categorized around four functional process groups: Administration, Content, Delivery, and Technology.

Functional Groups and Training Process Definitions

Administration

Administration processes are those associated with managing the logistics and day-to-day operations of a training function. There are 10 processes within this function, each of which is described below.

• • • Strategic Planning: This is the process of understanding and identifying learner’s needs as related to the overall business objectives.

• • • Client Relationship Management: This process involves working with constituents and business management to identify needs, communicate strategy and assist in problem resolution.

• • • Scheduling and Registration Services: This process involves scheduling, registering, enrolling and recording necessary information on learners planning to attend an upcoming learning event, as well as coordinating the logistics associated with the delivery of learning programs, assignment of instructors, provision for facilities and equipment and communications with students.

• • • Financials and Billing Services: This is the process for departmental and corporate charge-backs, as well as billings and payables to external sources for training activities.

• • • Assessments and Testing: This process involves testing training participants and evaluating training programs.

• • • Vendor Management: This process includes the identification, qualification, sourcing and management of third-party training vendors.

• • • Tuition Reimbursement: This is the process of managing the administration and reimbursement of college and education expenses.

• • • Marketing and Communications: This process involves internal communications about all aspects of learning services and external marketing about the sale of training programs.

• • • Reporting and Metrics: This process includes strategic measurement and reporting on the performance of the training organization.

• • • Materials Fulfillment: This process includes the printing, binding, and shipment of print publications used in the classroom and the production and distribution of electronic materials for online training programs.

Content

Content processes are those related to creating and managing content; these processes are generally referred to as courses, workshops, seminars, webinars or programs. There are six processes related to the creation, curation and management of content, each of which is described below.

• • • Portfolio Management: This is the ongoing process of assessing, managing, and rationalizing learning curriculums, products and resources.

• • • Instructional Design: This comprehensive process includes needs assessment (mode of delivery, technology, length of intervention, etc.) and also provides a link between strategic planning and CRM processes to all other business relationships.

• • • Content Development: This process involves the creation of learning programs from design to a deliverable product.

• • • Content Curation: The process of sorting through available content and presenting it in a way that is meaningful and relevant to a specific topic or theme.

• • • Graphic Design: This process provides the visuals used during the content development process.

• • • Content Refreshment: This process establishes the ongoing review of programs within the learning portfolio and ensures that content elements are updated as needed.

Delivery

The Delivery functional group includes the processes associated with the transfer of information. There are six processes related to the instruction and delivery of content, each of which is described below.

• • • Instructor Recruitment: This process involves the selection of instructors for the delivery of learning programs.

• • • Instructor Development: This process directs training instructors on how to effectively deliver the learning intervention. “Train-the-Trainer” programs often include real world training on the subject areas, as well as methods and techniques for the proper and appropriate delivery of training.

• • • Instruction: The instruction process involves the actual conveyance of information from instructor to learner, whether delivered in a print, online or electronic environment or in the classroom.

• • • Classroom Support: Classroom support involves the day-to-day logistics of classroom set up, clean up, and fulfillment of materials for instruction and assessment.

• • • Course Feedback: This is the process of circulating assessment information regarding the method of delivery and design back to the designer and developer so that the programs can be modified and continuously improved. In addition, participant information and evaluation data should be managed in the feedback process.

• • • Real Estate and Facilities: This process involves the selection of locations for the delivery of learning programs.

Technology

This functional group includes the processes of managing the technologies that are inherent in creating, managing and delivering training. There are five processes related to managing technologies, each of which is explained below.

• • • LMS/LCMS Management: This is the actual process for maintaining and supporting administrative platforms such as learning management systems (LMS) and learning content management systems (LCMS).

• • • Authoring Systems Management: This process involves maintaining and supporting the tools and technologies used during instructional design and content development.

• • • Delivery Platform Management: This process includes providing technical and learning support for the technology used for electronic and online delivery of learning programs.

• • • Collaboration Platform Management: This is the process of managing social and collaborative tools for the purpose of knowledge sharing and team learning.

Training Process Framework Uses

• Standardize Language: The model is helpful for standardizing the terminology used when discussing the processes within a training organization.

• Sourcing Engagements: The model can be useful when negotiating what processes a supplier will manage on a buyer’s behalf and which processes a buyer will manage internally.

• Communicating Suppliers’ Capabilities: The model can be a valuable tool for suppliers when communicating what processes they have the capabilities to manage on behalf of a client.

 

Related Content on TrainingIndustry.com:

• What Makes a Great Training Organization?
• Training Manager Competencies: Assess and Develop Your Skills
• The Business of Learning, Episode One: The Training Manager Competency Model