3 Responses

1. Rule of thumb!
   It isn’t scientific but experience has led our team to the conclusion that it takes 5 days to write a new 1 day programme using existing resources. It takes 8 days if additional research is needed and 3 days to revamp existing course material into an updated form.

2. A tool for designers
   Hi Vince
   If you find the tool to do the job accurately I’d love to hear of it too. I think before it appears though we’ll have seen politicians topping popularity polls – no? nor do I!

   In the meantime Sue Gabriel’s findings seem reasonable, a team displaying speed, accuracy and experience. However, for the freelance designer with those attributes(email address below!), time must also be allocated to gaining knowledge of their clients’ industry or business, company culture, core values and so on to enable them to ‘land running’. Not forgetting to allow time for client ‘involvement’ (moving goal-posts, signing-off etc).

   The permutations seem endless – but good hunting anyway Vince!

   Arthur
   arthur@ahanda.demon.co.uk

3. delivery design ratios
   My own experience in small & large organisations both public and private tally with Sue’s figures.

   I’ve experienced similar ratios for facilitator-led delivery as well as for some types of CBT/Video-based materials, though for brand new stuff in this particular area it can be up to 25:1!

   I share Arthur’s comments about an accurate tool. I guess it boils down to what works for you – specifically what are the variables that are of interest and importance to you? Just how much detail do you want? Will you take in to account meaningful, if only brief, conversations people within or between teams may have at the coffee machine or over a cigarette? How could you measure this (very much depends on culture of the people/team involved)

   I hope I haven’t depressed you too much!