Training: Buying vs Building

"To build or not to build. That is the L&D question." Or whatever Shakespeare would have said if he was L&D manager at a medium to large enterprise.

When it comes to delivering training for an organization there are typically 2 options available for the L&D team: Buy the content or build the content.

To be fair, there is a 3rd option which is don't train but let's assume no L&D manager or leader wants to consider that option.

So how do you determine whether you should buy or build?

Arguments for building the courses you need include:

• You get exactly what you want
• You control the development cycle and can enhance the scope throughout the project
• Your topic is unique to your business or industry that can't be found elsewhere

Arguments for buying the courses you need instead:

• Cheaper: you don't need to incur the complete cost for development
• Faster to implement: since the content already exists you can move to the delivery stage sooner
• Additional features: Content may include elements like activities or case studies you wouldn't otherwise have access to.
• Confidence: Knowing other organizations are using the content can validate the use of the material for your needs.

Now, if you do choose to build your courses make sure you consider the following before launching your project:

• You have SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) and experienced Instructional Designers on staff who can develop your course on time and on budget.
• You have a truly unique topic that can't be bought.

If you choose to buy your courses from a Vendor there are a few considerations as well:

• Customizable: Can you edit the materials to add industry or organization specific information?
• Licensing: Do you need to renew annually or pay for the number of trainees taking the course?
• Updates: Is the material updated or do you need to pay for new versions once released?

Next time you are planning a training based on a Training Needs Analysis refer back to this quick list to see which option, Buy or Build, makes sense for your project.

And if you're not sure, feel free to reach out to me and I'd be happy to chat with you about your training plans and help determine which direction you may want to take to make your training as effective and impactful as possible.

Cheers ????