This report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development highlights how organisations are developing a range of different methods to assess the value of learning. Learning, training and development can only be perceived as successful if organisational decision-makers believe it delivers value. Because training is about people development, it needs to take into account not just hard quantitative data but also more subjective qualitative measures.

The report emphasizes that trying to measure learning by figures and financial results is a bit like driving with your eyes fixed on the rear view mirror. Learning and development professionals need to recognise the importance of aligning learning processes with organisational processes.

A ‘one size fits all’ approach to value and evaluation is no longer feasible. An appropriate strategy requires thought and effort in the context of the particular organisation. A key conclusion of the report is that effective value and evaluation processes require practitioners to develop and use measures that are relevant to organisational stakeholders and the needs of the Organisation. Measures of “return on expectation”, rather than return on investment are more likely to meet these needs.

‘Value and Evaluation: From return on investment to return on expectation’ is priced at 49.99 pounds and is available from the CIPD. http://www.cipd.co.uk/bookstore