The author discusses various causes behind conflicting data collected from students in the evaluation of training programs. He covers such potential problems as statement misinterpretation, sample size, timing, and placement. (CH)

Evidence shows that evaluation practice is limited to direct support within training: little action takes place with other organizational units. Evaluation must have a significant role in the overall human resource function of an organization and must be a part of the planning function. (JOW)

Thirty-five training managers in central Ohio were interviewed about their use of cost-benefit analysis. Incentives for its use are justifying and marketing training programs, acquiring resources, setting priorities, and increasing management support. Disadvantages include difficulty of quantifying training effects, subjectivity, cost, and…

Describes six practical ways of answering critical questions about the effectiveness of training. These evaluation methods are: (1) delayed treatment, (2) modified critical incident, (3) followup, (4) performance analysis, (5) time-series evaluation, and (6) cost-benefit analysis. (JOW)