Custom Solutions - Loughner and Associates, Inc.

At Loughner and Associates, we believe the most effective learning solutions are those that are well matched to an organization’s needs and business goals. To that end, we work closely with clients to fully understand the training goal and the context in which it will be delivered.

Once the need is defined, our knowledge and experience with various delivery methods allows us to partner with clients to determine the most effective and efficient solution for their organization. Then, as qualified and skilled designers, we work closely with the organization to develop an innovative solution and a plan for its implementation.

As experienced instructional designers, we use methodologies that enable us to design both technical and soft skills training. We excel in the development of programs that integrate the two, resulting in solutions that yield the desired results and are viewed by learners to be realistic and relevant.

We offer clients a range of learning and performance support solutions delivered through various methods and media. We understand how technology can facilitate learning and are both discriminating and innovative in its use.

Content areas that we have designed custom training for include: new hire orientation, business processes and procedures, IT systems and applications, industry and product knowledge, sales and marketing, supply chain and operations, lean and process improvement, standard operating procedures, compliance, and management and supervision.

Loughner and Associates has been designing custom learning solutions for some of the world’s most influential organizations since 1997. During that time, we have designed, developed, and implemented more than 400 custom training programs, and produced more than 300 job aids and user guides. Our solutions have been delivered through a variety of methods to more than 100 countries across six continents.

Instructor-led Training

Instructor-led training (ILT), or classroom training, remains one of the most popular delivery methods. Well-designed ILT incorporates the use of a variety of activities that are well matched to the desired learning outcomes. A classroom setting also makes it possible to incorporate group work and collaboration into the program. In addition to designing and developing the training program and learner materials, Loughner and Associates creates instructor guides and prepares the organization’s trainers to facilitate the program.

eLearning

The use of eLearning continues to increase, due in part to its ability to reach a geographically distributed audience in a cost effective manner. Loughner and Associates eLearning solutions have been delivered to more than 100 countries around the world. We use the latest authoring tools to design interactive, self-paced solutions, and publish the eLearning programs according to the organization’s specifications.

Mobile Learning

Mobile learning, or mLearning, is the use of personal electronic devices to deliver training. As mobile phones and tablets continue to become more a part of our everyday lives, so does the use of mobile learning. An important benefit of mLearning is that it is accessible anywhere a mobile signal is available. Access to mobile learning makes it possible to provide training and job aids just-in-time.

Structured On-the-Job Training

An effective method for training employees in the actual work setting is known as Structured On-the-Job Training, or SOJT. In contrast to having a new employee shadow an experienced employee, SOJT uses training guides and materials to promote consistency and improve the overall quality of the training. An important benefit of SOJT is that the time required for an employee to become proficient in the performance of a task is greatly reduced.

Coaching and Mentoring Programs

Coaching and mentoring programs employ more experienced employees to develop less experienced employees through guidance and feedback. Mentoring programs focus primarily on career and professional development, while coaching programs focus primarily on performance and capabilities in a current position. Both programs provide employees with the opportunity to advance professionally and learn more about their work. Both programs also yield valuable results for the organizations that sponsor them.

Job Aids

Job aids, often called quick reference guides, or QRGs, are instructional guides that support decision making, provide directions for completing a procedure, or organize information needed to perform a task. Job aids can be paper-based or online, and are especially useful when the performance of a task is infrequent, complex, or dependent upon a large amount of information. Other benefits of job aids are that they clearly define the desired performance and promote more consistent performance.

User Guides

User guides and manuals provide technical assistance and instructions on the use of a system or computer software. The guides include images of the interface, diagrams, and step-by-step instructions to complete transactions. When used as a training resource, user guides support the transfer of training back to the job.