Recent conversations with learning executives, conducted through Expertusí Learning Intelligence Forums, revealed that attitudes about learning measurements are changing for the better.
Overall, executives are talking much less about traditional measurements and much more about business-related measurements. The Kirkpatrick measurement model is mentioned, but most often in reference to what organizations are NOT doing.
Getting visibility into the business impact of learning has become increasingly important because corporate learning is now widely viewed as a business service. The vast majority of reporting is done for internal business customers, such as sales executives, call center managers, and business unit leaders.
One VP of learning said, ìWe have to move from measurements based on ëtraining by the poundí to those that are relevant to our business. Measurements such as total learning hours, pages accessed, class registrations, completions, and assessment scores have little if any value to internal customers ñ as well as to business-focused learning executives.î
According to a senior director of education services, ìWe canít train just for the sake of training. We have to be able to answer questions about business impact. The Kirkpatrick model is great theory, but itís very expensive and time consuming to get to level five. Practically, you have to find a measurement system that uses whatís already in place.î
Our many hours of discussion with learning executives can be summarized into a few simple guidelines for effective training measurment:
- Make sure your metrics are meaningful to your customers.
- Keep metrics simple and practical. The fewer the better.
- Invest time in identifying metrics up front, not after the fact.
- Go out of your way to communicate and explain findings to your customers and to senior management. Donít wait for them to ask you.
In addition to providing real insight into the value of your training programs, practical and meaningful metrics can help you educate your stakeholders and raise important business issues. By taking a proactive and collaborative approach with your customers, you have a chance to define the playing field and establish realistic expectations.
If youíve got questions about learning measurement strategies or if you have a good example of measurements done well,
contact us. Weíd be happy to offer an objective and practical perspective.
