6 Reasons To Hire eLearning Content Providers For Training Needs Analysis

6 Reasons To Hire eLearning Content Providers For Training Needs Analysis
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Summary: Diagnosing training gaps may require a fresh perspective. Someone who understands your niche and doesn't have any stake in the game. Is a professional training needs analysis consultant the right choice?

Learn How eLearning Content Providers Can Help With Training Needs Analysis

"Being too close to the problem may cause tunnel vision." That warning label should be printed on every LMS reporting dashboard. You crunch the numbers and chart assessment scores, but things don't add up. The root cause of employee performance issues and diminished ROI is still elusive. Maybe it's time to bring in an outsider to spot the trouble areas. Look at your results objectively and find gaps you may have overlooked. Here are the top 6 reasons to hire eLearning content providers for Training Needs Analysis.

6 Reasons To Hire Content Providers For TNA To Improve ROI

1. Rely On Their Expertise Instead Of Hiring An In-House Team

There are 3 ways to approach training needs analysis. The first is to enlist the aid of your existing team, which means pulling them away from other job duties. The second is to hire additional staff for the express purpose of TNA. You must train them, offer ongoing support, and foot the payroll or benefits bill. The last option is to outsource it to eLearning content providers. They have expertise since they specialize in Training Needs Analysis. You can hire them periodically to cut costs and not have to worry about long-term employment expenses. Such as paid time-off, salaries, and health benefits. Or even request a monthly or quarterly checkup to ensure everything is in order.

2. Access To Advanced Diagnostic Tools And Training Analytics

It’s not only their expertise at your disposal. A Training Needs Analysis consultant has advanced diagnostic software and analytics to spot hidden gaps. Even if they use tools you already have, experience gives them the upper hand. They look at business reports, LMS metrics, and employee assessment scores to connect the dots. To see emerging challenges you missed due to fragmented analysis. For example, every department oversees its own reports, meaning that no one gets the complete picture. Consultants don’t have the same accessibility limitations. They have "universal" clearance which allows them to dig deep into your data banks and use specialized software to detect patterns. Of course, some user information and sensitive data are off-limits. So, you don’t have to worry about security breaches.

3. Content Providers Offer An Unbiased Perspective

Think of a Training Needs Analysis content provider as a mediator. They offer an impartial evolution of your training program, with nothing to lose or gain. They didn’t develop the resources or host ILT sessions. These professionals rely on the facts and figures to help you identify areas for improvement. On the other hand, assigning the task to an employee might lead to objective opinions. They’re less likely to find the faults because they have an emotional attachment. Or they’re worried about offending a co-worker or department that’s at fault. For instance, the customer service manager who didn’t motivate their team or suggest follow-up resources.

4. They’re Aware Of Industry Trends And Common Challenges

Training Needs Analysis consults can see things from both the external and internal perspectives. They’re able to step inside the shoes of your LMS admins or stakeholders to look for flaws that limit business growth. But they’re also able to step back and determine how industry trends and common challenges factor into the equation. For example, many of their clients use gamification to motivate employees, provide feedback, and track performance. Your organization still hasn’t hopped on the badge bandwagon. The content provider explains how gamification can benefit your business and where it fits into your overall strategy.

5. Improve Resource Allocation

I’m referring to human resources and training materials. As I mentioned earlier, your team is free to complete other essential tasks and leave TNA to the experts. You’re also able to identify which assets are underperforming and either replace or revise them. For example, your "effective communication skills" certification course doesn’t get much traffic these days. Content providers get to the root of the problem and suggest the best course of action. Why has the certification program dropped in popularity? Is there a specific activity or module with low employee engagement stats or completion rates? Should you update the content or simply retire the course to make room for new resources and reduce upkeep costs?

6. Providers Can Recommend Possible Solutions Within Your Budget

A common misconception is that Training Needs Analysis providers only highlight the problem, but they can also be part of the solution. That same industry awareness that allows them to detect gaps, by comparison, enables them to make cost-effective recommendations. Clarify your budget, eLearning objectives, and long-term goals to serve as guidelines. Ask about other services they provide and how they’ve benefited similar organizations. For example, your current strategy lacks a moment of need support. There are structured courses to lay the groundwork, but no JIT follow-up. Can they develop bespoke resources for your microlearning library or VR/AR activities to impart practical experience on the job? There must be a valid reason for add-on services though. A reliable content provider won’t try to upsell you every step of the way just to make a bigger profit. Their primary objective is to stretch your budget and help you achieve the desired results. Not to turn a simple TNA eLearning project into an expensive and unnecessary L&D overhaul.

Conclusion

You don’t have to hire eLearning content providers to evaluate the reports and find holes in your strategy. But it’s usually more cost-effective than onboarding a dedicated TNA team. And your in-house staff can stick to their regular job duties instead of stretching themselves too thin. Plus, you have access to the provider’s expertise, tools, and insights, which offers an unbiased look at online training efficacy. The trick is to choose a company that understands your industry’s unique requirements and budgetary limitations.