Frequently Asked Questions
How can I explain the return on investment to a manager or CFO?
Please see the article, How to Calculate Training ROI, in our training library.
What is the ideal class size for instructor-led classes?
We recommend a participant/facilitor ratio between 10:1 and 15:1 for instructor led classes. This class size allows instructors to offer personalized responses to participants, while still maximizing your company’s return on investment. If the training course involves software applications training or many skills-based exercises, we generally recommend a lower ratio.
How much should my company spend on training? Can we estimate an annual training budget by total payroll or revenue?
There is no comprehensive metric that covers every company and every sector. However, here are some key factors that affect a company’s training budget:
Sometimes a company-wide needs assessment is the best way to estimate an overall training budget. Our training library offers an in-depth case study that shows how a 3,000 employee government agency estimated its training budget through a comprehensive needs analysis.
What are the general advantages and disadvantages of a training needs assessment?
A training needs assessment requires time to conduct research and analyze results. Usually, the analysis can be done by a sampling of interviews and surveys of the primary training audience. With these results, you can focus your course content precisely on your training audience’s actual needs.
However, the training specialists require time to prepare the questions, collect the information, and analyze the results. The needs analysis process effectively postpones the start of training design, but the delay usually leads to an improved training course with a greater overall return on investment.
How can my company evaluate a course's effectiveness? Can I measure changes in an employee’s behavior?
Your training evaluation plan can use Kirkpatrick’s four levels of training evaluation. This model allows you to measure how well people learn new ideas and make actual changes to their workplace behaviors. With that information, you can calculate the financial value to your company.
What types of courses are commonly done through e-learning?
E-learning courses generally require more up-front development time. Web-based training courses work well for static content that will be used by many participants at different times. Synchronous learning courses work well when participants are unable to gather in a classroom together but still need live feedback from an instructor.
