This groundbreaking book presents a results-based approach to program implementation, focusing on a variety of measures that are categorized into seven data types including:

• Inputs and Indicators

• Reaction and Planned Action

• Learning and Confidence

• Application and Implementation

• Impact and Consequences

• Return on Investment

• Intangible Benefits

The authors reveal the techniques for identifying, collecting, analyzing, and reporting all seven types of data in a way that ensures reliable and reproducible results.

In addition, this invaluable resource explores the challenges of collecting hard-to-measure data and shows how to place monetary values on the difficult to assess. Building on years of experience, application, practice, and research, the authors draw upon the results from organizations that have reached the ultimate levels of accountability—the ROI. In an easy-to-read format that is filled with illustrative examples and tips, The Value of Learning is an important guide for anyone who seeks to understand more about bottom-line accountability.

"Clearly the Phillips are the established experts, and in this book offer tested, step-by-step ways to succeed and gain the necessary organizational support for learning. Just to underscore the importance that a number of us at Capella University place in the Phillips' work, we are proud to use their methods and tools in our courses to allow our learners to obtain ROI certification as part of our masters and doctoral programs in Training and Performance Improvement. I recommend this book to anyone interested in proving the value of learning."

—Michael J. Offerman,president, Capella University

"Understanding the value of learning is critical for all business professionals. This book provides specific tools and techniques for evaluating learning effectiveness. A must read for anyone interested in the value of learning."

—Tamar Elkeles, Ph.D.,vice president, Learning and Development, QUALCOMM

Preface.

Acknowledgments.

Chapter One: Building a Comprehensive Evaluation Process.

Chapter Two: Defining Needs and Objectives: Ensuring Business Alignment.

Chapter Three: Measuring Inputs and Indicators.

Chapter Four: Measuring Reaction and Planned Action.

Chapter Five:Measuring Learning and Confidence.

Chapter Six: Measuring Application and Implementation.

Chapter Seven: Measuring and Isolating the Impact of Programs.

Chapter Eight: Identifying Benefits and Costs, and Calculating ROI.

Chapter Nine: Measuring the Hard to Measure and the Hard to Value: Intangible Benefits.

Chapter Ten: Reporting Results.

Chapter Eleven: Implementing and Sustaining a Comprehensive Evaluation System.

Appendix: How Results-Based Are Your Workplace Learning and Performance Programs? An Assessment for the L&D Staff .

Glossary.

Index.

About the Authors.