Off-the-Shelf vs Bespoke E-Learning: Which Is Better?

When organisations decide to introduce online learning, one of the first questions they face is whether to purchase an off-the-shelf course or invest in bespoke e-learning.

Both approaches have their place, and the right choice depends on the learning objectives, budget, audience and the level of customisation required.

If this is something you are considering, we can help you make an informed decision regarding the best way forward. The first thing to consider is the differences between these two types of e-learning

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What is off-the-shelf e-learning?

Off-the-shelf e-learning courses are ready-made training courses developed for a broad audience. They are written in general terms and are unlikely to meet your exact requirements. They offer the advantage, however, of being available immediately. They typically cover common subjects such as:

  • Health and Safety
  • Fire Safety
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Data Protection (GDPR)
  • Cyber Security
  • Manual Handling
  • Food Hygiene
  • Safeguarding
  • Customer Service

Because these courses have already been developed, they are generally inexpensive to purchase and can be deployed quickly.

Advantages of off-the-shelf e-learning

  • Speed of availability and implementation
  • Lower implementation cost
  • Generic content that has often been used by many organisations
  • Easy to deploy through most Learning Management Systems

Limitations of off-the-shelf e-learning

Although off-the-shelf courses are suitable for many compliance topics, they are rarely tailored to the specific needs of your organisation.

Typical limitations include:

  • Generic examples and scenarios
  • No organisation-specific branding
  • Are unlikely to reflect your own procedures or policies
  • Content may include information that is not relevant
  • The cost can increase over time, with many products requiring ongoing annual subscriptions

What is bespoke e-learning?

Bespoke e-learning is designed specifically for your organisation and is built to meet your exact needs and learning objectives. 

The materials can match organisational:

  • Procedures
  • Policies
  • Products
  • Services
  • Equipment
  • Competency standards
  • Learner requirements
  • Brand identity

They can be developed to address specific issues and non-compliances.

RI Training works closely with clients throughout the design process, ensuring the finished course reflects the way your organisation actually works.

Advantages of bespoke e-learning

Bespoke development provides a learning experience that is relevant, engaging and directly applicable to the learner’s role.

Benefits include:

  • Training tailored to an organisation
  • Organisation branding and identity throughout
  • Real workplace examples and scenarios
  • Interactive learning activities
  • Knowledge checks and assessments designed around your requirements
  • Integration with existing learning programmes
  • SCORM compatibility for Moodle and other Learning Management Systems
  • Easy updating as procedures change

Because of the direct relevance to an organisation, there is often greater learner engagement, leading to improved knowledge retention.

Most importantly, bespoke learning allows staff to learn from your processes rather than generic industry examples.

Limitations of bespoke e-learning –

The main limitation is the cost of production and the availability of the resources needed to support production. The production itself will require input from subject experts, who will need time and will need to be trained as e-learning authors.

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Summary

When should you choose off-the-shelf e-learning?

Off-the-shelf learning is often the right solution when:

  • You need training quickly.
  • The subject is generic.
  • Budget is limited.
  • Large numbers of staff require the same generic compliance training.
  • There is little need to reflect organisation-specific procedures.

When is bespoke e-learning the better option?

Bespoke development is often the preferred choice when:

  • Your organisation wishes to reinforce its own brand and culture.
  • You have unique operating procedures.
  • Staff need to learn organisation-specific processes.
  • Competence must be demonstrated.
  • The training supports regulated industries.
  • You want to protect your investment by creating reusable learning assets.
  • You need assessments based on your own standards.

Which option is right for your organisation?

There is no single answer.

If your objective is simply to provide generic compliance training as quickly and economically as possible, off-the-shelf courses are often the most appropriate solution.

However, if you want learners to understand your procedures, demonstrate competence, or improve organisational performance, bespoke e-learning usually provides significantly greater long-term value.

RI Training has over 35 years’ experience designing learning programmes across a wide range of industries. We are experienced at working with subject matter experts to produce engaging, interactive learning using modern authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline. 

At RI Training, we can help you evaluate your requirements and recommend the most appropriate approach. Whether you need a single interactive module or a complete digital learning programme, we can develop a solution that delivers measurable learning outcomes and supports your wider training strategy.

Discuss Your E-Learning requirements

Contact RI Training to find out how we can help you design engaging, effective online learning tailored to your organisation.

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Case studies

We have developed digital learning resources for organisations across a wide range of technical and professional sectors.

Mission​

To partner with our clients and ensure our training solutions are effective, engaging and matched to identified development needs.

Vision​

Building partnerships to design customised training that aligns with specific client goals and company ethos.

Experience

  • Over 35 years of delivering training solutions
  • Practical, implementation-focused training
  • Bespoke courses tailored to your needs

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