Abstract:

Nowadays, many sectors are adopting online based learning applications especially Learning Management System (LMS) which becomes very essential and high priority project in organizations and educational institutions. Different LMS with different specifications are widely available on the internet, both open source and the commercial. Because of this high number of the LMS, and the difference in specifications in each LMS, choosing an effective LMS that will meet and satisfy requirement of users becomes a very complex task. In the recent years many researchers have been using Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method in solving very complex problems that involves multiple criteria. Although there are lots of studies on LMS evaluation using different approach including MCDM method, but there is lack of using a hybrid method DEMATEL-ANP. In this paper, the authors proposed a framework for evaluating LMS using hybrid MCDM process; Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and Analytic Network process (ANP) to select the most suitable LMS, in which criteria have interdependence and interactive features. The relationships between criteria are drawn using DEMATEL model and determine their effects on each other. Then based on these relations, alternatives are ranked using the ANP model. This system will help instructors and students in selecting the most suitable LMS, it will also help other organisations for efficient delivery of in-service trainings.

Keywords:

DEMATEL-ANP, Learning Management Systems, LMS, Analytic Network process, evaluation, multi-criteria decision making, ANP, Decision Making Trial and Evaluation.