AIM Change Management Updates: New Assessments and Hybrid Classes
IMA Worldwide has released two updates to Accelerating Implementation Methodology (AIM) change management. AIM is purpose-built to close the gap between installation and adoption, and both updates extend that focus: AIM assessments powered by Comparative Agility add benchmark data to readiness decisions, and Hybrid AIM Classes fit certification around active project work.
Implementation Management Associates, which operates as IMA Worldwide, continues to advance Accelerating Implementation Methodology (AIM) change management, making it more effective, interactive, and accessible. Two major updates are now live, and both change how professionals learn and apply AIM.
- AIM Assessments Powered by Comparative Agility: Use data-driven insights and industry benchmarks to sharpen your change management approach.
- Hybrid AIM Classes: A flexible, blended learning model that combines live virtual sessions with self-paced training for maximum impact.
Together these updates add flexibility, engagement, and personalization, helping professionals build real-world change management skills faster and more efficiently.
What Is the Accelerating Implementation Methodology (AIM)?
Accelerating Implementation Methodology (AIM) is a research-based, behavior-focused change management framework created by Don Harrison, who founded Implementation Management Associates in 1989. AIM draws on more than 40 years of Harrison's implementation field research across regulated and technology-intensive industries, including healthcare, financial services, technology, transportation, and consumer goods.
AIM is one of the change management methodologies most often compared with Prosci and Kotter, and it is distinguished by its emphasis on implementation over communication. Where many change efforts stop at technical installation, with the system going live and the process changing on paper, AIM is built to close the gap between installation and actual adoption. This is achieved through visible sponsorship and structured reinforcement designed to convert go-live milestones into sustained behavioral change.
AIM certification reflects this same implementation-first standard: it is earned through demonstrated application of AIM tools on real organizational work, not through a written exam. Professionals learn to assess their situation, prioritize what matters most, and focus effort where it delivers the greatest impact, building change management skills that transfer directly into practice. Central to this work is building a Business Case for Action, the AIM tool that helps organizations articulate why change is necessary and build the sponsorship needed to sustain it.
Beyond individual certification, IMA Worldwide supports organizations in transferring change management capability to internal Centers of Excellence, enabling AIM to be sustained and scaled independently. The longest-running IMA Worldwide client Center of Excellence has sustained AIM internally for 19 years and counting, long after the consultants exited, illustrating the methodology's durability as organizations mature their change capability over time.
The AIM assessments powered by Comparative Agility and the new Hybrid AIM Classes, detailed below, extend this same research-based approach with more precise data and more flexible learning formats.
AI in Change Management (ACMP Webinar Recording)
This ACMP webinar has concluded and the recording is presented here. Ann Marvin, founder of Peacock Hill Consulting and President and CEO of IMA Worldwide, joined Dr. Jennifer Vernam for a session on how to use AI safely and effectively inside real change work.
- Topic: AI in Change Management, presented within the AIM framework
- Recorded: Thursday, August 6, 2026
- Presenters: Ann Marvin and Dr. Jennifer Vernam
- Access: The recording is free to watch above
- Sponsored by: Peacock Hill Consulting
The session covered how to apply AI as a collaborator within AIM, how to establish guardrails that protect client confidentiality and professional judgment, and how to distinguish between tasks AI can accelerate and the human work that continues to drive adoption.
How Do Comparative Agility Benchmarks Strengthen AIM Assessments?
IMA Worldwide has partnered with Comparative Agility, an agility assessment and benchmarking platform, to power AIM assessments with more precise, actionable data. This partnership pairs AIM's research-based, behavior-focused framework with an established benchmarking engine, allowing organizations to move beyond qualitative observation and ground their change readiness and adoption decisions in comparative, industry-wide data. For organizations operating in regulated or technology-intensive sectors, where the cost of stalled adoption is highest, this level of precision supports more confident sponsorship decisions and more targeted reinforcement planning throughout an implementation.
Key benefits include:
- Targeted insights: Clear, data-backed recommendations from AIM assessments tailored to your organization's unique needs.
- Data-driven decisions: Real-time benchmarks and analytics to optimize change initiatives with confidence.
Organizations are encouraged to request the Comparative Agility version during their next AIM assessment with IMA Worldwide to obtain deeper insights and stronger outcomes.
What Does a Hybrid AIM Class Involve?
Professionals require learning options that accommodate demanding schedules without compromising quality. Hybrid AIM Classes meet this need through a blend of live virtual sessions and self-paced learning designed for flexibility and engagement.
This format reflects the same implementation-first standard that defines AIM certification: skill is built through applied practice rather than passive instruction. By combining live, two-hour virtual sessions with structured online modules, Hybrid AIM Classes give professionals real-time access to coaching and peer collaboration while preserving the flexibility to complete hands-on exercises on their own schedule. This structure is designed for professionals balancing certification with active project responsibilities, allowing training to fit around implementation work rather than compete with it.
Key benefits of Hybrid AIM learning include:
- Fully online modules: Learn at your own pace with interactive activities and hands-on exercises.
- Hybrid modules: Live two-hour virtual sessions combined with online components for real-time collaboration and coaching.
Hybrid AIM Classes combine structured guidance with self-paced learning, enabling professionals to balance training with work and personal commitments.
Be Part of the Future of AIM Change Management
IMA Worldwide is committed to bringing the latest innovations to AIM training and assessments, so professionals get the best tools, strategies, and learning experiences available. Enroll in an upcoming AIM class, or request the Comparative Agility version on your next assessment.
Get started with AIM certification
These updates reflect IMA Worldwide's continued commitment to advancing how professionals learn, lead, and implement change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of Hybrid AIM Classes?
Pricing for Hybrid AIM Classes depends on the training format and your organization's needs. Contact IMA Worldwide for current enrollment details and pricing.
Who is Comparative Agility?
Comparative Agility is an agility assessment and benchmarking platform. IMA Worldwide has partnered with Comparative Agility to power AIM assessments with more precise, data-driven insights and industry benchmarks.
What are the prerequisites for AIM assessments?
There are no strict prerequisites to request an AIM assessment. Ask for the Comparative Agility version during your next AIM assessment with IMA Worldwide to receive tailored, data-backed recommendations for your organization.
What does a Hybrid AIM Class include?
Hybrid AIM Classes combine live two-hour virtual sessions with self-paced online modules, giving professionals real-time collaboration and coaching alongside flexible, interactive exercises they can complete on their own schedule.
How can I access the new AIM assessments and Hybrid AIM Classes?
Both are available now. Request the Comparative Agility version on your next AIM assessment with IMA Worldwide, or enroll in an upcoming Hybrid AIM Class to get started.
Want to talk it through first? Review AIM change management certification, or contact IMA Worldwide about assessments for your organization.
