Level III Evaluation Part II: Learning Objectives and Measurement

Before we move to defining the criteria for measurement for different training programs and methods of assessment at Level III, let us look at the relation between the learning objectives and assessment. This is because to do any evaluation, especially Level III, an understanding of the learning...read more

A is for Assessments

What is the difference between a survey and an assessment? The short answer is not much. If you think back to your days in school, the tests you took were nothing more than a scored survey. Chances are the survey design had both structured and unstructured questions with the intent of measuring your...read more

Best Practices for 360 Peer Reviews

Performance reviews are no fun. Whether they’re annual reviews with a manager or 360 peer reviews, they’re unwelcome aspects of any job. Although 360 reviews seem like they would be the perfect complements to standard annual reviews, they have the potential to wreak havoc on morale, productivity and...read more

Training Through the Eyes of the 7 Habits (Part 2)

Two weeks ago we began to explore how the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People can apply to the big, wide-world of training.  Today we continue the journey, starting with habit four.(Curious about what habits one–three look like through the eyes of training? Check it out!)HABIT #4—Think Win/Win...read more

Training Evaluations: Who is Responsible?

In times when every penny counts, there is more demand on training managers to “prove” that training has paid off. Most organizations follow Kirkpatrick’s 4 Levels of Evaluation: The immediate feedback: The smiley sheets at the end of the training program where participants respond to questions on...read more

Surveys Are Not Just for Marketing Anymore

Most of my posts have centered on marketing research or the use of survey techniques to measure marketing phenomena. However, survey research has applications well beyond the measure of customer satisfaction, brand awareness or even employee relations. The use of surveys to gather opinions, usage...read more

Let's Simplify Jargon!

While searching for this week's TedTalk inspiration, this title jumped out at me: Let's Simplify Legal Jargon! I agree 100%. Let's just speak in plain English that's understood by everyone, not just those with law degrees. During this talk, Alan Siegel discusses how difficult it is to understand...read more

Focus on Mechanics, Not Results, When Writing Performance Reviews

The need for personnel evaluations cannot be overstated. Nor can their value. No one will dispute their unpleasantness; however, managers who really care about their employees and their companies want to give feedback. More than that, they want to give feedback that helps their employees improve....read more

Before Your Next Employee Appraisal, Self-Assess What You Do

Most people get called in for their dreaded employee appraisals once a year. Those who get them twice a year can actually consider themselves lucky. Feedback is important and if the only time any is forthcoming is during a formal personnel evaluation, then you could be in trouble. In her article,...read more

Survey Criteria for Employee Evaluations

If you are in human resources, then you know that being more than half way through a year means that employee evaluations are soon to begin. Employee evaluations, especially 360 feedback forms, are a great way to gauge employee performance. It allows a manager to be able to see how their employee's...read more
The Rise of the Smart Phone: Are you Leverging Mobile? 10 Tips for Mobile-Friendly Survey Creation