Module 5/6 25 min
Managing training vendors
Step 1 / 3·Selecting a vendor: weighted criteria
0/3 steps done
Learning objectives — after this module you will:
- Decide when to use a vendor and when to build internally
- Score vendors with weighted criteria
- Manage the partnership: knowledge transfer and impact evaluation
Learn ~8 min
Selecting a vendor: weighted criteria
Score vendors objectively instead of by gut feel.
Vendor scoring criteria (reference weights)
| Criterion | Weight | How to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Understands your industry context & problem | 25% | Ask them to present their approach FOR YOUR CASE, not a generic pitch |
| Quality of the trainers who will actually teach | 25% | Interview the ACTUAL person who will teach, not the sales director; sit in on a sample session |
| Design tied to practice & post-course reinforcement | 20% | Review the detailed lesson plan: what % is practice? is there a post-course part? |
| Commitment to measurement | 15% | Are they willing to co-measure Level 3 and share some accountability for results? |
| Price & terms | 15% | Compare total cost of ownership (including transfer), not day-rate |
The most common trap
Choosing a vendor because of the sales director's impressive pitch — then the actual teacher is a completely different trainer. A mandatory contract clause: NAME the trainer specifically, and the right to change/stop if the person is swapped without agreement.
Key takeaway: Score by weight; always interview the actual person who will teach; name the trainer in the contract.