Performance-Based Evaluation: Tools and Techniques to Measure the Impact of Training

Chapter 9. How to Sample People and Documents

The training department wanted to do a needs assessment to find out what training would be required in the coming year. Some trainers suggested interviewing all of senior management; others wanted only to survey the exempt staff. Managers of staff functions complained that sales got all of the attention and wanted a process that included their opinions. Field offices complained that corporate got all of the attention and wanted a process that gave them an equal voice.

This chapter is about how to sample an appropriate number of people and documents. Measurement happens in the beginning when you want to find out whether or not there is a problem or opportunity that should be addressed. It happens as ...