CEF’s Learning and Development Diagnostic

Course Design Diagnostic

Instructions: Please complete this form to help us understand your learning needs, organisational context, and key programme requirements. The more detailed your responses, the better we can design a solution that aligns with your goals.

1. Programme Aims and Objectives

What are the overarching aims and learning objectives of the programme? Why are these aims and objectives important to your organisation and/or stakeholders? How do these objectives align with your strategic priorities or wider organisational goals? What tangible outcomes should participants achieve by the end? (e.g., professional certifications, applied skills, sector knowledge, behavioural change, leadership competencies)

2. Content and Assessment

What core topics, themes, or subject areas must be covered? Are there any essential case studies, frameworks, policies, or industry standards to include? Are there any content areas or themes that should be excluded? What forms of assessment do you prefer? (e.g., quizzes, reflective journals, group projects, presentations, practical demonstrations) Are there any assessments or activities you explicitly do not wish to include? Would you like to incorporate interactive or experiential elements? (e.g., role-plays, live projects, simulations, action learning)

3. Learner Profile and Context

Who will participate in this programme? (Include roles, levels of experience, and educational backgrounds) What are the values, motivations, and expectations of your learners or cohort? What prior knowledge or experience do participants have in this subject area? Are there cultural, organisational, or geographic contexts we should be aware of when tailoring the programme? What known challenges or barriers could affect learner participation and engagement?

4. Learning Approach and Delivery Style

Level of content complexity (1 = Introductory, 5 = Expert-level) Overall tone (1 = Informal/fun, 5 = Formal/serious) Balance between theory and practice (1 = Theory-heavy, 5 = Practice-heavy) Learning mode (1 = Individual/independent, 5 = Group-based/collaborative) Use of technology (1 = Minimal, 5 = Advanced use including AI, gamification, VR) Delivery style (1 = Fully self-paced, 5 = Fully instructor-led)

5. Programme Length and Format

What is the ideal total length or duration of the programme? Why have you chosen this length? How frequently should the programme be delivered? (e.g., one-off, quarterly, annually) Preferred format (in-person, online, hybrid)? If hybrid or online: Would you like us to host the content on our learning platform? Should we use an existing internal platform (e.g., SailGP)? Are you interested in a bespoke e-learning platform developed for your organisation? How should learning be structured? (e.g., full-day intensive sessions, short weekly workshops, modular delivery over multiple months) Would you like to include blended learning elements such as:

6. Cohort Size and Programme Logistics

How many learners will participate per cohort? Should the programme be delivered synchronously (same time) or asynchronously (on demand)? Are there specific scheduling considerations (e.g., time zones, shift patterns)? Would you like to incorporate site visits, fieldwork, or off-site learning experiences? What language(s) should the programme be delivered in? Are there particular guest speakers, industry leaders, or international experts you would like us to invite? Is this a standalone programme or part of a recurring learning series?

7. Learning Impact and Follow-Up

How will you evaluate the success and impact of the programme? (e.g., learner satisfaction, skill application, performance improvements, KPI alignment) Are there internal or external metrics we should support or measure against? Would you like us to provide a post-programme report or analytics dashboard? Would you like to explore: Continued learning pathways? Alumni engagement or mentoring networks? Digital badging or micro-credentialling?

8. Additional Considerations

Are there any specific learning accommodations or access requirements we should be aware of? (e.g., visual/hearing impairments, neurodivergence) Do you want this programme to be accredited (e.g., Chartered Management Institute, ILM, university endorsement)? Is there a specific budget range we should work within? Are there other organisational stakeholders who need to be involved in programme co-design or approval? Is there anything else we should know to fully understand your organisation’s needs and goals?