2. Project Scope Develop a sustainable market strategy to enable Desire2Learn (D2L) to penetrate the UK’s higher learning market segment with their Learning Management System (LMS). 4/14/11 2
3. Project Objectives Competitor Intelligence What LMS/VLE’s are currently in the marketplace What institutes are using them Why are these systems being chosen How do they differ from D2L platforms Advertising What publications (print/web) are competitors using Which publications should D2Le utilize Associations Are there any associations that D2L should consider membership with Events What tradeshows or industry hosted events should D2L consider participating in Should D2L host their own events Social Media How should D2L utilize social media platforms to create a market ‘buzz’ Best Practices Are there any required alterations to D2L’s product to fit the UK market What themes or campaigns currently exist in the UK market 4/14/11 3
4. Research Methods Gathered relevant information the team used EBSCOhost, and Proquest as the main databases Group research and the Desired2Learn’s research of Universities and colleges including the platform each one uses Private firm’s reports that were related to the industry Internet search to find information related to competitors, industry news, vendors, and upcoming events related to eLearning in the UK Meetings with Desired2Learn to ask questions related to information 4/14/11 4
5. Agenda Competitive intelligence Advertising Awards Associations and other bodies Events Social media Best practices 4/14/11 5
61. Harlow CollegeHavering Sixth Form College Henley College Itchen Sixth Form College Lambeth College Longley Park Sixth Form College Oakwood Court College Shrewsbury Sixth Form College Sir John Deane’s College Sixth Form College, Farnborough Sparsholt College, Hampshire Stoke-on-Trent College Thomas Rotherham College Tresham College Truro and Penwith College
69. Recommendation Time: S/T Ongoing Cost: Subscription = £145/ year Advertising = £400/Web & £850/Print(1/4 page) Benefits: Increased brand awareness Benchmarking competitors advertising Included in list of suppliers on website Direct issuance of PR and case studies 4/14/11 16
70. Time: S/T Ongoing Cost: Subscription = Free Advertising = £3,500 - £15,000 (fees associated with trade show) Benefits: Increased brand awareness Presence at annual trade show awareness Special feature articles about Desire2Learn 4/14/11 17
71. 3.AWARDS Awards are important because they provide exposure and give recognition to their winners 4/14/11 18
72. Awards research E-Learning Awards Queen’s Awards for Enterprise Technology & Learning Awards of Excellence SIIA-Codie Awards BETT-ICT Awards UCISA Awards 4/14/11 19
73. Eligible Categories Best use of e-learning to ensure compliance with external regulations and internal policies Best use of mobile learning Best use of rapid e-learning content Best use of synchronous e-learning Best use of social media for learning E-learning industry award for outstanding achievement - corporate 4/14/11 20
74. Time: S/T, Registration deadline June 30, 2011 Cost: Application = £125/entry + VAT + Labour hours Benefits: Based in the UK Highly regarded as the industry’s most prestigious Increase awareness of Desire2Learn’s products Increased validity of company sustainability 4/14/11 21
75. BETT-ICT Awards Eligible Categories Digital Collections & Resource Banks Leadership & Management Solutions ICT Company of the Year ICT Service & Support 4/14/11 22
76. BETT-ICT Awards Time: S/T, Registration deadline n/a for 2012 Cost: Application = £175/entry + VAT + Labour hours Benefits: Based in the UK Increase awareness of Desire2Learn’s products Increased validity of Desire2Learn’s UK market sustainability 4/14/11 23
77. Partnerships Desire2Learn can using their relationships with other providers to build up a reputation of trust. 4/14/11 24
78. Partnerships Partnerships have been identified as a best practise in the industry Firms are using their relationships with other providers to build up a reputation of trust Desire2Learn should maintain and use current partnerships and also add key UK education partnerships to add to their portfolio 4/14/11 25
79. Partnerships 4/14/11 26 By using the partnerships to their advantage, Desire2Learn may increase building recognition, acceptance and validity. Global and large companies validate the Desire2Learn brand.
85. Mobile Technology 4/14/11 32 Cost: capital invested on Research and Development Benefits: Long term benefits Product development and marketing use
86. 4.ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER BODIES Associations can provide the opportunity to be recognized within the industry, publish white papers, and build trust 4/14/11 33
87. Vendor Sustainability Being a private international company creates an added level of complexity It is important for Desire2Learn to create an image of sustainability, longevity, validity Building partnerships, using press releases, client testimonials, increased involvement in the market, and forward looking statements are all effective ways to build this image 4/14/11 34
88. Universities and Colleges Information Systems Association (UCISA): Represents almost all major universities and colleges in the UK and has a growing membership Provides national and international presence Allows a network which promotes best practises, cost effectiveness, develop ideas, and support institution policies 4/14/11 35
89.
90. Have the opportunity to publicise a number of activities or case studies via the UCISA website
95. It is the leading body which brings together everyone involved in learning technology. Policy makers, users, and several other stakeholders’ with this technology are members. Desire2Learn is a current non-active member Cost: Organizational membership depends on size: £296 to £976 4/14/11 38
96. Publications allow members to launch papers on chosen topics Product Launches Research and Development in the industry They have international members A focus on research publication, informing, and connecting members provides several networking opportunities for Desire2Learn in the industry It can ensure that they are getting exposure with high individuals in the industry 4/14/11 39
97. Public Relations It has been observed that the main problem Desire2Learn is facing in the UK market is that they are unrecognized in the market Desire2Learn has indicated that they are understaffed in the marketing aspect of their company A PR firm is beneficial as they can provide access to networks which could otherwise never be developed by the company directly through contacts experience in the technology industry 4/14/11 40
98. Public Relations Common themes of technology companies hiring public relations firms, including: product launches building brand recognition accessing new markets Focus on firms with technology experience Say. Bob Little Beattie Communications Potion Public Relations and Marketing Frank PR 4/14/11 41
110. The BETT is the biggest show in UK and Europe in education technologies. It provides the most exposure to new clients, not only on the Higher education, but also other industries. Media, critics, news channels, and other visitors can provide Desire2Learn with the so needed integration in the European Market. 4/14/11 44
111. According to the ABC certificate the BETT show brought 30,000 visitors to London Attracts Department Heads IT/ICT Co-ordinators Facilities Managers Education Officers 4/14/11 45
112. Cost £444 per m2 Space £466 per m2 Shell £250 Marketing package Fascia name board, stand carpeting, exhibitor manual, Show Guide editorial, listing on BETT website, PR consultancy, the full BETT marketing campaign and an unlimited supply of visitor tickets 4/14/11 46
121. This event showcases the organizational learning and technology used to support learning at work. 220 exhibitors, 120 free seminars, and over 4,000 visitors 4/14/11 51
122. Date Wednesday January 25, 2012 Thursday January 26, 2012 Even though is it not focused on colleges and universities, it is an important event that would allow Desire2Learn not only to access higher education leads, but also access to private organizations with learning and training needs. 4/14/11 52
124. IT Decisions is designed to provide a networking base for all suppliers Communication and sharing best practice are key drivers for the event IT Decisions 2011 is an event designed for IT executives to present an integrated view of all the most important technology trends and new innovations 4/14/11 54
125. 4/14/11 55 Add on to the sponsor package the opportunity to create round table sessions and seminars Be exposed to decision makers, and new trends in technologies Media partners:
126.
127. Full pre registered delegate list post event with demographics for follow - A vital sales tool
128. 100% focused audience of 600+ IT Directors & Managers, looking to make imminent investments
132. 4/14/11 58 US display firm Globally recognized Wide Variety of solutions Displays Structures Accessories Environmental protection policies
133. 4/14/11 59 Small business 30 years of experience May have a lower price Can be used for smaller sized stands Delivery service Other Printing available
134. 6.SOCIAL MEDIA It is Key for online advertising and the development of long term relationships with clients 4/14/11 60
139. National Union of Students Voluntary membership organization 600 students’ unions Seven million students Have many events for students every year Opportunities Sponsor events Use students for a Study 4/14/11 64
140. Recommendation: National Union of Students Sponsor Events Use students for a survey Blackboard Time: Medium to long-term Cost: Can vary. Greatest bang for your buck will be a survey Benefit: Great awareness of the company, increase in social media followers 4/14/11 65
141. Social Media Relationships Importance of social media with business relationships Use social media outlets to strengthen relationships 4/14/11 66
142. Social Media Relationships Time: Ongoing – begin as soon as possible Cost: Labour hours to update social media pages on a regular basis Benefit: Repeat customers Recommendations to other institutes 4/14/11 67
144. Best Practises White paper in on-line publications Public relations to create brand awareness, product knowledge, and launch products Mobile technology, applications, and user access to school anywhere Fastest emerging trend, most commonly used by students Partnerships (McGraw Hill, txttools, Prentice-Hall) Using social media to support current clients and long term relationships with clients 4/14/11 69
145. Best Practises Use social media to create awareness and as a marketing tool Complete relevant research for the higher education industry not just for the company’s benefit Vendor Sustainability Validity, transparency, image of longevity Client user conferences as a networking tool Awards 4/14/11 70
146. Competitive Factors The primary competitive factors in the learning technology and software applications industry as cited by Blackboard are: Base of reference clients Functional breadth and depth of solution offered Ease of use Complexity of installation and upgrade Scalability of solution to meet growing needs Client service Availability of third part application and content add-ons Total cost of ownership Financial stability Company reputation 4/14/11 71
147. Blackboard 2011 Strategy Grow annual license revenue with existing clients Bring additional products to market Increase penetration in emerging markets Pursue strategic partnerships Expand through acquisitions 4/14/11 72
Invite them to tradeshows,Have breakfast conferences for just WebCT users
Timeline: This is an ongoing-long term recommendation. It is ongoing because these schools do not immediately need to be targeted, but should be within two years when the contracts are coming to an end. Cost: The costs of this recommendation are labour hours through phone calls and sales and marketing reps targeting the decision makers. Benefits: The main benefit of this recommendation is that should it be successful at reaching these schools Desire2Learn has the chance to gain a large amount of the market in the UK. Another benefit is that while going after these schools, Desire2Learn will get their name out there and create more awareness of their company. Also, with the consortium option with the colleges, Desire2Learn could gain a large share of the market with little effort.
E-LEARNING AGE MAGAZINE
Part of the reason Blackboard and Moodle are so popular on Facebook and Twitter is because Blackboard and Moodle have applications on Facebook. Blackboard is hoping that their Facebook application will help it reach students even when they are trying to avoid studying. The application allows students to log into their school Blackboard system and download course materials, post to message boards, upload assignments and check their grades. Blackboard’s strategy is to bring its services where the students already are and capitalize on Facebook’s ubiquity and collaboration capabilities. Blackboard also launched an application called Blackboard Sync. This would allow student to receive regular updates and messages saying that something has been updated or new course material was added. Moodle has launched a similar application with Facebook. Users can use existing Facebook accounts to register to a Moodle site. They can also link existing accounts to their Facebook accounts through Facebook Connect. A Facebook Live Stream Box can be integrated into a Moodle classroom as well.
Another recommendation in respect to social media is to include the logos for Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn in all advertisements. By doing this, when people see a Desire2Learn advertisement, they will notice that for more information about the company they can log on to these social media outlets to see what the company is currently up to. These platforms are used by almost all users, and are a best practise in the industry. The greatest effect will be reached when this is included on visual advertisements, but also on articles that get published on-line. However, it is important that scholarly articles do not include these advertisements as it reduces the validity and seriousness of the article. Timeline: The time frame for this recommendation would be ongoing. This is something that will always help draw people into the social media outlets, but is not integral to the success of the firm in the market. Cost: The cost is very minimal because you are already creating this type of advertisement and just need to include three symbols in the design. Benefits: The main benefit from this recommendation is the amount of followers on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. To create better awareness of the company, increasing the use of social media will be very beneficial.
National Union of Students (NUS) is a voluntary membership organization which makes a real difference to the lives of students and its member students’ unions. There are 600 students’ unions, amounting to more than 95 per cent of all higher and further education unions in the UK. Through these 600 students’ unions, they represent the interests of more than seven million students. Their mission is to promote, defend and extend the rights of students and to develop and champion strong students’ unions. Their vision is of NUS as a pioneering, innovative and powerful campaigning organization. They will fight barriers to education; empower students to shape both a quality learning experience and the world around them, supporting influential, democratic and well-resourced students’ unions. This organization believes in equality, democracy, and collectivism. They believe there should be equality of opportunity for everyone to participate fully in a society that celebrates diversity. Their policies and priorities are student-led and students’ union-focused through building open, transparent and accessible democratic structures. They also believe that students and students’ unions are more effective when they organise together locally, nationally, and internationally. Sponsor OpportunitiesThe following is a list of events that could be sponsored, followed by a brief description of the event and the benefits:Universally Challenged?A new national inter-university quiz that is designed to provide 24/7 brand presence for sponsorship partner. Can maximize the impact of inter-university competition and can be completely customised to your brand.Key benefits of sponsoring this event include:Reach 4.5 million studentsPresence at 900 eventsYear round home page presence on nus.org.ukReach circa 750,000 students via emailPress and media opportunitiesWeekly exposureuLivea network of Students’ Union executing quality, credible live music events. Proves access to the finest new talent and up-and-coming acts. Live music is a key part of Students’ Union entertainment programmes. 44% of students regularly attend live music events. Your bran would be placed at the forefront of quality live music events in 16 key Students’ Union venues across the UK. There will also be National press coverage in major monthly and weekly music magazines.Key benefits of sponsoring this event include:Total potential reach of 4.5 million students75+ events across 16 Students’ Unions, throughout the yearYear round home page presence on nus.org.uk and uLive.co.ukReach circa 750,000 students via emailExtensive press and media opportunitiesExamples of venues include:Fifty Three Degrees – University of Central LancashireWater Front – University of East AngliaMine – Leeds UniversityIn the past the National Union of Students has run a various number of conferences and other events. For example, in 2010 they held a Unite against Fascism National Conference. They also held a competition in 2010 called Find Alice in British Library Wonderland. There was a 3 day conference called the NUS National Conference. Lastly, in 2010 there was a 1 day Heart of the Race: Black British Feminism Study Day. The organization will hold a number of events in 2011 and continue to in the future. Source: National Union of Students (n.d.).Home: NUS.org.uk. Retrieved March 9, 2011, from http://www.nus.org.uk/
Timeline: The time frame for this recommendation would be medium to long term. It does not have a significant effect on sales for the company, however can be built up over time, as awareness is created. Cost: The cost of this recommendation can vary. It can be high or very minimal. Using this organization for reaching students to do a survey on e-learning will provide the greatest bang for your buck. Benefits: The largest benefit from sponsoring an event or using the students for a survey would be the amount of awareness you can create. With an increase in awareness, comes an increase in the importance of the relationship that can be built with social media.
Recent trends link the importance of social media with business relationships. We recommend using social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to strengthen relationships with current clients versus focusing on generating new leads. It is becoming more important to maintain and strengthen relationships with clients. Thus we recommend having clients follow Desire2Learn on these social media outlets, so they can see and follow what the company is doing. These outlets allow them to quickly follow what is happening at Desire2Learn, including any conferences which they may attend, as well as pictures of events, and testimonials of other clients on their pages. Timeline: This recommendation should be kept as an ongoing task. It will be important to begin as soon as possible and to maintain updates as often as possible. Cost: The only cost associated includes the labour hours to update the social media pages on a regular basis. Benefit: Strengthening the relationship with the customer will lead to repeat customers and will lead to better word of mouth. Also with a strong relationship it is more likely that a current client will recommend Desire2Learn to other schools they are in contact with.
Recent trends link the importance of social media with business relationships. We recommend using social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to strengthen relationships with current clients versus focusing on generating new leads. It is becoming more important to maintain and strengthen relationships with clients. Thus we recommend having clients follow Desire2Learn on these social media outlets, so they can see and follow what the company is doing. These outlets allow them to quickly follow what is happening at Desire2Learn, including any conferences which they may attend, as well as pictures of events, and testimonials of other clients on their pages. Timeline: This recommendation should be kept as an ongoing task. It will be important to begin as soon as possible and to maintain updates as often as possible. Cost: The only cost associated includes the labour hours to update the social media pages on a regular basis. Benefit: Strengthening the relationship with the customer will lead to repeat customers and will lead to better word of mouth. Also with a strong relationship it is more likely that a current client will recommend Desire2Learn to other schools they are in contact with.