I am trying to find an "industry standard" for the cost of developing an e-learning course for my internal customers. Have any of you done this type of cost analysis? I'm basically looking for the cost of developing a one-hour course.

Thanks!!

Obviously it depends. Google is a good start. Mostly what you will find are overall numbers. If YOU are the subject expert, then it will take less time than prying the info from others minds. Use the ADDIE breakdown. I use something like this

Analysis: 10 hrs minimum, probably need at least 2 SMEs (one experienced and one who has been on the job only a couple of months who remembers how he got burned)

Design: 10-20 for straight linear courses (boring) 20-60 for courses with many imbedded activities and some branching and rich feedback (something other than correct and incorrect)

Development: Depends on the authoring tool and a BIG ONE TIME cost is the development of the FIRST course (the template). The first one usually takes an additional 20-60 hours just for everyone to settle on the graphics, navigation, etc. Lots of overhead here. Then likely 10-50 hours per course depending. Flash, video, audio, add more. Put each of these as a sub-line under Development and estimate separately.

Implementation: Again the first one is tough integrating with the LMS or whatever server. If that is in place, 0, if not, hang on to your budget!

Evaluation: Anyone? I can't get clients to do that.

Here's an article from ASTD:

www.learningcircuits.org/2003/jul2003/kapp.htm