Increasing work efficiency is the main goal of organizing training in companies. Each training should be preceded by an analysis of needs and expected benefits, which ultimately result in improving the company's financial result. In project management, it is important that training has a real impact on the team's work efficiency.
Assessment of the Effectiveness of Project Management Training
After each training, questions are often asked such as: "How do you assess the usefulness of the training?" or "Did the course meet your expectations?" Positive responses from employees may be due to the fact that training offers some change from everyday duties and is an opportunity for socializing. However, the true value of task management training should be measured by its impact on work efficiency and achieving company goals.
David Kirkpatrick's concept in Work Management
Dawid Kirkpatrick proposed the concept of assessing the effectiveness of training, which is also key in project management. Its concept is based on three main points:
- Proving that training contributes to the achievement of organizational goals.
- Decision to continue or discontinue training.
- Improve training programs based on information acquired.
Although Kirkpatrick does not directly mention the need for training to translate into financial results, "achieving organizational goals" is often associated with improving financial results.
Levels of Training Effectiveness Assessment
Assessment of the effects of training in work management can take place at various levels:
- Participants' reaction – Measuring the level of satisfaction with training.
- Learning – Assessment of changes in attitudes, level of knowledge and skills of participants.
- Behavior – Practical application of acquired knowledge and skills.
- Results – Tangible effects on the company's operations, such as increased efficiency.
Work Efficiency Assessment Indicators
Each company has a set of indicators that can be used to assess whether there has been an improvement in the company's functioning after the training. In project management, it is worth paying attention to such indicators as:
- Production increase
- Quality improvement
- Reducing costs
- Sales increase
- Reducing the average customer service time
The answer to the question whether these changes result from the increase in employee competences after the training is difficult, but crucial for assessing its effectiveness.
Training Effectiveness Research Methods
In task management, there are several models for assessing the effectiveness of training. Most often, pre- and post-training tests are used to compare results and assess whether performance has improved. However, not all models provide a clear answer as to whether training was the main factor in the improvement.
The increase in financial results after training can be easily calculated, but proving its connection with the training is more complicated. Nevertheless, it is worth using various assessment methods in project management, not limiting yourself only to the question "Did the training meet your expectations?"
To sum up, project management and task work should consider training effectiveness as a key element in improving company performance. Effective training contributes to better work management and the achievement of organizational goals.
