Developing a Business Case to Outsource Training Development

You know that running as a one-person training department can be challenging. You do not have the resources and staff as a large department. Some of you may be in a similar role as me. My job entails tackling all aspects of training development including LMS administration, instructional design, financial management, and curriculum development. These tasks cam consume a large chunk of your time. Plus, who wants to work 80 hours a week? The quality of your work will sacrifice. 

Hold on tight because I may have a solution for you. Do not worry. I am not trying to sell you something. 

You may find completing instructional design projects can be challenging because you’re having to juggle multiple roles. Here is your solution: outsource. 

What’s that? It costs money? Certainly but your salary and time accrues a cost too. My method below will help build a business case to outsource training. It will take some time to get the information. The process is as follows:

• Track the hours you spend on each task or responsibility. Some companies may have a timekeeping or system with the ability to create custom projects. You can use the reports in the long term to collect your data. You may have to track it manually if no such system is available. 

• Create categories or groups based on your responsibilities. Some of my currently include:
  
1. LMS administration
2. General administrative tasks (e.g. replying to employee emails, meetings with employees, etc.)
3. Instructional design project #1 (typically I use the course name)
4. Instructional design project #2

• Record your hours spent on your tasks and projects. Be sure to include the time spent in meetings. 

• Calculate the total number of hours spent on each project or task. 

• Multiply the total number of hours for each project by your hourly wage. 

• Look at the totals for each project (specifically instructional design projects. What do you see? It’s likely that each course will cost between $7,000 to $12,000. 

You organization could outsource custom design services the same price. Outsourcing this development will help produce learning materials at a faster rate. In addition, it can help you reduce your workload allowing for greater efficiency. 

Remember, these costs are indirect overhead. Your leadership may say,”we are already paying your salary. This would cost extra.” Be prepared to explain how it will allow for faster delivery and increase productivity in your role. It’s not easy but you can do it! Just be prepared to explain how you will utilize the extra time.