Evaluating Training

The "Training Essentials" series focuses on issues in contemporary training. The books are comprehensive, setting out the theoretical background, while also providing practical guidance to meet the "hands-on" needs of training practitioners. The series features core reading for those working towards professional training qualifications and the competency requirements of the Training and Development Standards. Training is a costly investment which must serve business goals. This book shows how to build evaluation into every stage of design and delivery. It describes a range of techniques with practical advice on choosing and implementing appropriate ones. The book covers: organizational, team and individual effectiveness and how to measure it; assessing changes in behaviour through competence approaches and behaviour scales; evaluating learning - changes in knowledge, skills and atttudes; making and presenting cost-effectiveness comparisons and estimated benefits from investment; evaluating the running of a programme, matching methods to outcomes and benchmarkiing against best practice. The book explains how to ensure quality training is constantly focused on changing organizational needs; using systematic evaluation is essential.