For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the ability to adapt and innovate in response to market demands is crucial for growth and competitiveness. One effective strategy for achieving this is hiring third-party contract instructional and curriculum developers. These experts bring a wealth of experience and specialized knowledge that can significantly benefit your organization. Here, we explore the top three benefits of outsourcing instructional and curriculum development, supported by research, and why this approach should be considered by SMB owners and HR managers.
1. Access to Specialized Expertise
Third-party instructional and curriculum developers bring a high level of expertise and specialization that may not be available in-house. According to a study by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), 83% of organizations reported improved training effectiveness when they outsourced to specialists. These professionals stay current with the latest educational trends, technologies, and instructional design principles, ensuring that your training programs are cutting-edge and effective.
Key Insight: By leveraging the expertise of external developers, SMBs can benefit from innovative and high-quality training materials that might otherwise be beyond their internal capabilities. This can lead to better learner outcomes and a more skilled workforce.
2. Cost-Effectiveness and Flexibility
Outsourcing instructional and curriculum development can be more cost-effective than maintaining a full-time internal team. Research by Deloitte indicates that 59% of companies see cost reduction as a primary benefit of outsourcing. Hiring contract developers allows SMBs to scale resources up or down based on project needs, avoiding the fixed costs associated with full-time staff.
Key Insight: This flexibility enables businesses to manage their training budgets more efficiently, investing in high-quality development when needed without the ongoing costs of maintaining an in-house team. It also allows for quick adaptation to changing business requirements and project scopes.
3. Faster Development and Implementation
Third-party developers often have streamlined processes and tools that enable faster development and implementation of training programs. According to the Brandon Hall Group, organizations that outsource instructional design can reduce development time by up to 30%. This speed is crucial for SMBs looking to quickly address skill gaps and keep pace with industry changes.
Key Insight: Faster development and implementation mean that employees can begin benefiting from new training programs sooner, leading to quicker improvements in performance and productivity. This agility is especially important in fast-moving industries where staying ahead of the curve is essential for competitiveness.
Conclusion
Hiring third-party contract instructional and curriculum developers offers significant advantages for small and medium-sized businesses. Access to specialized expertise, cost-effectiveness and flexibility, and faster development and implementation are key benefits that can drive organizational growth and success. SMB owners and HR managers should consider outsourcing these critical functions to unlock these benefits and enhance their training and development initiatives.