In a continuation of part 1, this blog post highlights the roles that will help streamline the learning and development operations for your organization. Part 1 focused mostly on content-specific elements driven by the subject matter while part 2 will focus on business-related elements such as intellectual property and program administration. Together, these groups make up the roles and “human” resources that matter the most when starting to use content management technologies for a better, more cost effective, and more streamlined L&D operation.

Intellectual Property (IP) Authority

Intellectual Property refers to creations of the mind: inventions; literary and artistic works; and symbols, names, and images used in commerce. In learning and development or training operations, Intellectual property can take the form of instructional material including, but not limited, to:

● manuals or textbooks

● training modules

● presentations

● multimedia demonstrations or simulations

● interactive content or animations

● static logos or graphics.

The IP authority in an L&D operation will vary from business to business. The primary role is to safeguard and manage the IP in a manner that not only keeps it secure but increases its value and financial benefits for ‘the owner, such as the business, the organization, or the creator and developer. While this role may seem like added overhead, it’s the most important in my opinion because this determines the ROI of any successful L&D operation. If not for this person, then how valuable is something that people can find elsewhere for a lesser price, or worse, that’s incorrect and unreliable? This is part of my current role. I have also worn the hat of an SME, ID, editor, reviewer, and information administrator (discussed more later), which is why I recognize the importance of each one separately but find them equally valuable to an overall L&D operation.

Content Editor or SME Reviewer

Valuable IP is always edited and reviewed by professionals, which is why content editors and SME reviewers are instrumental, especially in the world of nonfiction information such as knowledge management and instructional material, the cornerstone to any L&D operation. Content editors and SME reviewers should address the big picture goals of written information and knowledge. The role of this person is to validate, revise, and return the authored or co-authored content with suggestions to rewrite, move, delete, or add sections from a subjective perspective. This ensures the content is well-written, organized, and relatable for the target audience such as the learner or professional end user in the case of L&D. Depending on the business’s most important goals and budget, the content editor or SME reviewer may be the author (SME) and co-author (SME). However, for more value-added IP, the more consideration should be taken on having dedicated content editors, SME reviewers, copy editors, and proofreaders.

Information Administrators

Depending on the setup of your L&D operations and business, your “information” administrators may be one or a combination of IT, IS, MIS, LMS, and CMS personnel. These functions, while not directly related to content or IP from the perspective of contribution or development, are essential to efficient and secure content management and distribution channels of content, knowledge, and IP. These individuals do not necessarily contribute to the IP (although they might in some instances), but they are directly responsible and principally important from the perspective of consumption that makes for a safe, accurate, efficient, and effective learning experience. In most cases, the better relationship and transparency between the IP authority and these job functions, the more equipped each will be to ensure the cornerstone product of the L&D operations gains and retains its highest ROI.

Continue reading Part 3 in this series to learn more about goals that affect your program design and content management strategies.

About the Author

Christina “Christy” Freire is an accomplished project manager, learning systems architect, educational technologist, and instructional/curriculum designer with more than 15 years of experience working in various training and education environments. She is currently the global program manager of curriculum at Cellebrite, a digital intelligence and forensic company. Her primary L&D focus is on designing comprehensive e-learning programs, implementing strategic or innovative solutions, and supporting research and development for EdTech, learning technologies, and knowledge systems to promote an efficient, user-centered, and effective learning experience.