For SAG-AFTRA's member education programs, how should we balance offering more specialized workshops versus broader, general industry training?

Introduction

The trade-off we're examining today is balancing specialized workshops versus broader, general industry training for SAG-AFTRA's member education programs. This scenario involves weighing the benefits of in-depth, niche training against more widely applicable industry knowledge. I'll approach this analysis by first clarifying key aspects, then diving into the trade-off specifics, metrics, experimentation, and ultimately providing a recommendation.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Context: I'm thinking about the current landscape of the entertainment industry. Could you provide more insight into recent industry trends or changes that might be influencing SAG-AFTRA's education strategy?

Why it matters: Helps tailor the solution to current industry needs Expected answer: Shift towards streaming, increased demand for diverse content Impact on approach: Would influence the balance of specialized vs. general training

• Business Context: Based on SAG-AFTRA's mission, I assume member education is a core service rather than a revenue driver. Is this correct, and are there any specific strategic priorities for the education programs?

Why it matters: Aligns solution with organizational goals Expected answer: Education is a member benefit, priority on career advancement Impact on approach: Would focus on member value over direct revenue generation

• User Impact: I'm thinking about the diverse membership of SAG-AFTRA. Can you share any data on which segments of members typically engage most with educational programs?

Why it matters: Ensures solution addresses needs of key user segments Expected answer: Varied engagement across career stages and specialties Impact on approach: Would inform how to balance and target different types of workshops

• Technical: Considering the potential for online delivery, what's our current capability for hosting virtual workshops or creating on-demand content?

Why it matters: Influences scalability and accessibility of solution Expected answer: Some virtual capability, room for expansion Impact on approach: Would affect the mix of in-person vs. online offerings

• Resources: Understanding our capacity is crucial. What's the current size of the team dedicated to developing and delivering educational content?

Why it matters: Determines feasibility of expanding or specializing offerings Expected answer: Small dedicated team with some external instructors Impact on approach: Would impact the number and variety of workshops we can offer