Training Best Practices/Involving SMEs from Project Inception to Deployment

Involving SMEs from Project Inception to Deployment

SMEs are a crucial part of the project from inception to deployment. Their input will help to shape the eventual scope, structure and content of the course. This plan details how to involve your SMEs from start to finish.

Description:
SMEs should be involved in all stages of the project, as follows:

1. Scoping - SMEs provide valuable insight into the requirements for training and the scope of knowledge required to perform the task being covered. As you scope the project with your stakeholders, involve the SMEs to assist in defining the knowledge and skills required.

2. Project Kickoff - Ensure the SMEs are listed on the project team and their roles are explained to the stakeholders and other participants.

3. Knowledge Acquisition - The SMEs will run this part of the project, brining the content and providing the structure.

4. Storyboard through Beta Review - SMEs will participate as content reviewers.

5. QA Testing - SMEs will test deployed content to ensure proper flow.

6. Deployment - SMEs standby when the course rolls out to ensure there are no further revisions that require their input.

Results

 * Content is limited to need-to-know information


 * Case studies and stories used to reinforce learning are based on true-to-life situations.


 * Content is developed more rapidly as content is acquired more efficiently and SMEs can edit it directly through the wiki project page.

Techologies Used

 * PowerPoint is used to gather content and board it for review by project team.


 * Wiki project page is used to gather feedback by the project team in a consolidated format. All contributors to the knowledge acquisition, development and review process can fine-tune the feedback to ensure complete and accurate content.

Lessons Learned

 * SMEs need to understand the business objective and results expected before providing their input.


 * Project team roles need to be very clearly defined during the kickoff meeting so team members provide the appropriate type of feedback. You don't want your SMEs spending their time on copy-edit review.

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