The true cost of a training program

Determining the corporate return-on-investment for training programs involves evaluating every aspect for cost and learning effectiveness. A practical methodology and examples are presented for identifying and evaluating the amount of money invested in each kind of training program activity. Typical questions to be answered include: what activities constitute the participant's off-site meeting or training program day, what percentage weight is assigned to each activity, what ways the activities contribute to learning goals, what ways hours should be adjusted to promote better learning and leisure time use, and what learning modes produce the best balance. Program design, effectiveness of trainers, program administration, and facility selection all have an impact on learning and must be evaluated.