Abstract:

Introduction:
Modern learning environments have to provide a variety of learning structures, like the combination and integration of formal and informal learning, enabling users to access learning services on different channels, or the seamless combination of online learning with on-campus settings.

Learning Ecosystem:
Learning environments have to be provided on different channels and platforms using various services. Mobile learning must become an integral part of any learning environment.
This leads to the term “Learning Ecosystem” which can be described as a network of people, resources, and technology from both inside and outside the organization, all of which have an impact on learning.

Based on this description people from inside and outside the organization must have access to learning services whereas people can take different roles in a learning ecosystem. Role-based concepts must be implemented in a learning management system in order to manage access rights.

Identity- and Access-Management:
As a consequence, Identity- and Access-Management (IAM) gets more important in terms of access rights, security and other major topics like governance, risk management and compliance.

Having such a system implemented is not yet widespread, even though literature sees IAM as a key component in an IT security infrastructure. This may increase the pressure in organizations to implement an IAM system.

The central aim of this paper is to identify the triggers and critical success factors for the implementation of an IAM system as an element of a learning ecosystem.

Methodology:
To get a broader view a mixed method approach was used for the empirical study. First interviews with 10 experts who are experienced in industrial IAM projects have been conducted.

Based on a literature review and the results of the expert interviews a questionnaire for the quantitative survey has been developed. All in all, 105 valid questionnaires have been analyzed.

Outcome:
The paper presents the results of the expert interviews and the questionnaire. Furthermore, implications and recommendations for the implementation of IAM projects are given.

Keywords:

Identity Management, Learning Ecosystem.