Which governance practices help ensure successful use of external SMEs in training programs?

• A. Clear SLAs and RACI, qualification criteria, knowledge transfer plans
• B. No formal agreements
• C. Rely solely on internal SMEs
• D. Focus only on content quality, ignoring transfer

Answer: (A)

Setting governance structures that define expectations, roles, and transfer plans is essential when bringing in external SMEs for training. Clear service level agreements establish the performance standards, response times, and delivery timelines the external partners must meet. A RACI matrix clarifies who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed for each activity, preventing gaps and overlap. Qualification criteria ensure the external SMEs possess the right expertise and credentials before engagement. Knowledge transfer plans specify how knowledge will be captured, transferred, and embedded into the internal team, including materials, sessions, and follow-up coaching. Together, these governance practices create clear accountability, reduce ambiguity, and enable sustainable transfer of capability, which is what ensures the external SMEs truly add value beyond the initial delivery. Without formal agreements there is ambiguity; relying solely on internal SMEs misses external expertise; focusing only on content quality and ignoring transfer leaves the internal team unable to sustain or scale the program.