It is proposed that one of the best ways to sell training is by the objective results of training evaluation. (Author)

The author discusses application of Del Gaizo's four-level evaluation model to a business communications skills course for support and secretarial staff. The four measurement levels are (1) happiness, (2) learning, (3) practical application, and (4) bottom line. (CH)

The article recommends (1) the formulation of course objectives and valid measuring instruments for evaluation and (2) the determination of training needs. The solution is a four-step procedure to identify: parameters for ranking training needs, types of training programs needed, criteria for evaluation, and ways training contributed to…

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)

The contingency approach applied to the selection of training methods (based upon five independent variables: cost, training objectives, time, class size, and learning principles) holds considerable promise for adding objectivity to training decisions and assuring the choice of appropriate training techniques. (Author/BP)