A successful training function relies heavily on the proper identification of training needs and the evaluation of training. This course aims at converting subjective decisions for choosing training programs to more objective decisions based on proven training methodologies. Such a paradigm shift increases the value of the training department within an organization. In addition, the focus of this course is to build an awareness for evaluation that spans from the most common evaluation forms and assessments to evaluations for skills transfer and return on investment.
Course Methodology
Highly practical and engaging. This course presents theory followed by practical exercises developed to apply theoretical knowledge in organizational settings.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Apply internationally recognized methods for identifying training needs
Analyze and sort the data obtained from a Training Needs Assessment (TNA)
Write Instructional Learning Objectives (ILOs) that are aligned with the results of the TNA
Evaluate the effectiveness of training at various levels using proper data collection methods and instruments for each level of evaluation
List ways to improve transfer of skills from training workshops to the workplace
Calculate the Return on Investment (ROI) for training programs by determining their financial costs and returns
Target Audience
Administrators, officers, specialists, team leaders, managers, business partners as well as line mangers responsible for identifying training needs or evaluating training within their organizations.
Target Competencies
Training needs assessment and analysis
Evaluation of training
Deciding and initiating action
Working with people
Persuading and influencing
Presenting and communicating
Applying expertise and technology
Following instructions and procedures
Planning and organizing
Course Outline
The general framework
Reasons for identifying needs
Present and future indicators of training needs
Responsibilities of stakeholders
The style inventory
Identifying potential internal training resources and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
Methods for Identifying Training Needs (ITN)
The four steps of needs assessment
Questions to ask during each phase
Data collection template
Data gathering: the cornerstone for ITN
Quantitative and qualitative methods
From interviews to focus groups
Comparison of primary data gathering methods
Advantages and disadvantages
Characteristics of data gathering methods
Linking training needs analysis with program design and program evaluation
Significance of instructional learning objectives
Components and characteristics of ILOs
Writing ILOs
Ten lessons on how to evaluate training
Levels of evaluation:
Levels defined
Preliminary evaluation information
Chain of impact between levels
Characteristics of evaluation levels
An overview of ROI
Evaluation matrix
Evaluation at levels I and II
Reaction sheets
Characteristics of a reaction sheet
Tests: pre and post
Evaluation at level III: skill transfer from the workshop to the workplace
What often happens versus what should happen
Barriers to skill transfer
Ways to improve skill transfer
Responsibility for improving skills transfer
Methods to measure transfer of learning to the job
Converting data to monetary value and calculating the return on investment (levels IV and V)