If you’ve ever had to demonstrate the value of training within your organization, you know that the key lies in being able to measure and demonstrate the return on investment (ROI) of trainin...
Published 9 years ago
Version 1.0
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"...training designers rarely carry out the cost-benefit analysis on their projects."
As a freelance instructional designer, I don't get to do this - ever. Even when working for the same organization, on a different project, I don't have the ability to carry out a cost-benefit analysis on the last project I completed for the organization.
As an independent contractor, is there any way I can demonstrate that my courses are effective and valuable? How do other freelance IDs deal with this issue?
As a freelance instructional designer, I don't get to do this - ever. Even when working for the same organization, on a different project, I don't have the ability to carry out a cost-benefit analysis on the last project I completed for the organization.
As an independent contractor, is there any way I can demonstrate that my courses are effective and valuable? How do other freelance IDs deal with this issue?
An interesting point Tracy. Having been on both sides of that equation, I can say this: ideally, the organization/client has done that analysis prior to hiring the resource. They've identified the gap and appropriated the budget accordingly. It is definitely worth bringing up in your conversations with clients on the front end. Ask those questions, and establish a feedback mechanism with the client for them to share their results after implementation - these are great to be able to add to your portfolio/references. If, for example, the company is seeking a developer to design/develop a new program...what are the business objectives it supports; how is the company measuring success; and at what milestone do they anticipate results...are all questions I would ask during the initial front-end-analysis with the customer. This also goes a long way to establishing yourself as that trusted advisor and not just a hacker billing hours and checking boxes. :-)
Cathy Moore did an article awhile back about action mapping that I feel addresses where some freelance/contractor resources fall short. It provides two scenarios and contractors often fall to scenario 1 (just build the silly thing) when scenario 2 is within your reach and so much better for the overall project (and helps you to prove your value). http://blog.cathy-moore.com/2012/01/how-action-mapping-can-change-your-design-process/
Cathy Moore did an article awhile back about action mapping that I feel addresses where some freelance/contractor resources fall short. It provides two scenarios and contractors often fall to scenario 1 (just build the silly thing) when scenario 2 is within your reach and so much better for the overall project (and helps you to prove your value). http://blog.cathy-moore.com/2012/01/how-action-mapping-can-change-your-design-process/
- Hi Heather,
I'm a big Cathy Moore fan, too! Incidentally, I responded to your email a couple of days ago--not sure if you received it, or if it went into the spam filter.
Let me know what you need, and I'll let you know if I can help, or if I know someone who can.