I have responsiblity for framing up evaulation criteria and methodology for the training conducted in my organization (10,000 staff). I have understanding of Kirkpatrick's Levels, and some of Jack P's work.

My question - what are some of your favorite reference materials for setting up a training evaluation system [the point of which is to determine if the training is having the intended impact or outcomes it set out to do]?

I've seen Laura's refs to her 2 favorite books. What about Pat, Nero and others - favorite books or articles that you recommend?

Thank you!

Judy, consider evaluating your instructors' skills as well. They have a direct impact on learning and retention.

Take a look at this eval tool: Eval Tool

Del

Here's an interesting article...

http://www.swcp.com/access/eval.htm

my favorite excerpt from the summary:
"Kirkpatrick's fourth level of evaluation, results, is still difficult to measure. The difficulty here, as Kirkpatrick himself points out, is the ability to separate training from the multitude of other variables that can impact long-term performance."

Here's another interesting one...

http://www.trainingpressreleases.com/newsstory.asp?NewsID=916

I particularly appreciate it because of this:

"Current thinking on evaluation is based on outdated or suspect models which lead to poorly aligned evaluation activity from corporate learning & development groups. In particular, we have concerns about the near-universal obsession with the Kirkpatrick four-level model for evaluation, and the treatment of ROI as a fifth level."

Judy G.
I have no specfic literature for you to look at save a good accounting and finance textbook.
In addition I offer.
* Learn financial and accounting terms and concepts and how they are used.

* Understand how YOUR industry, company uses and understands these concepts and how they are to be reported. what they understand as value.

* Each industry is different on how they do their financials and how they look at profit.It is different.

* Make friends with and work with the finance types.

* The language of Business is Dollars.
Happy Orchids Nero