Need info that makes business sense for creating shorter vs longer modules

It's tough to argue with a business model that's working. There are, however, some really good reasons to make smaller, modular, focused, action oriented modules.

• Maintenance. The bigger the module, the higher the cost. Smaller components might, in some cases, be easier to reuse and recombine. 
• Retention. As you mentioned, info likely won't be retained following a stream-o-vomit content session.

Those are the biggies in my mind. Return and value should equal or exceed the investment. On the flip side of that, if the business model is working... I'd try really hard to find evidence that small improvements would result in slightly larger profit.  

Other approaches could include strategizing content delivery to put stuff in places where it makes sense. If information is valuable, providing info in an easy to use performance support tool behind a subscription wall might be just the ticket. Relegating practice and assessment to the interactive pieces.

Hi Brian,

Not sure you are going to like my answer...     

As a  long time training guy/ID we share the similar concerns about what's best for the learner.  But I'm also a strong business pragmatist..... meaning that if you want to have influence with business owners/stakeholders then you have to understand their concerns, thoughts and language.

So I would not pursue this topic from a learner-centric position; at least not initially.  Instead you will need to make a business case for why multiple shorter modules are better. This can include things like...

• Ability to sell more content pieces overall
• Competitive advantage - faster deployment of customized modules
• Competitive advantage - better targeting of specific needs then one-size-fits-all mega module
• Competitive advantage - ability to keep content pieces fresher/show more variety

and finally...

• Oh yeah, Competitive advantage - we can promise learners will retain more too!

Then you have to be able to back it all up. So put metrics in place etc. Then the owner can go out to market with meaningful selling propositions that will impact his ability to retain/attract customers and generate revenue.

Otherwise....  As a business owner I would see no compelling reason to change.

That is the reality of the business world. If we as IDs can't be great business partners that solve business problems, then we are inherently limited in our influence.

Hope this helps and good luck! 

**********************

EDIT -  What Steve said above a moment ago!  

Hi Steve and Bob, 

Thank you all very much for taking the time to provide this thoughtful insights into my problem. 

Bob that was a great point that made me think that I really need to think from the owner's business perspective since he's not really looking at the learner's point of view really when the bottom line is the money. 

I will need to re-read and "chew" on what you guys have said to come up with some reasons that make sense to him. 

And Steve from what you said: the main point really is: 

"if the business model is working... I'd try really hard to find evidence that small improvements would result in slightly larger profit."

It is working for them to a certain extent but they're wanting to make more money with education so if I could show them how repackaging this large content into smaller chunks and a curriculum maybe then that might work. 

Thanks again for taking the time to offer some thoughts and suggestions! 

Brian