Evaluation of training in organisations: A proposal for an integrated model

Purpose: Training is a key strategy for human resources development and in achieving organisational objectives. Organisations and public authorities invest large amounts of resources in training, but rarely have the data to show the results of that investment. Only a few organisations evaluate training in depth due to the difficulty involved and the lack of valid instruments and viable models. The purpose of this paper is to present an evaluation model that has been successfully applied in the Spanish context that integrates all training dimensions and effects, to act as a global tool for organisations. The model analyses satisfaction, learning, pedagogical aspects, transfer, impact and profitability of training, and is therefore a global model. Design/methodology/approach: The paper's approach is theoretical, and the methodology used involves a review of previous evaluation models and their improvement by comparing their application in practice. Findings: An analysis of pedagogical aspects enables training professionals to improve training quality, as they are able to identify any weaknesses in elements, such as training design, needs analysis and training implementation, and improve on them. In fact, the quality of these elements depends entirely on the training professional. The improvement of pedagogical aspects, as a result of their evaluation, increases training quality and the results of training in organisations that can be identified by evaluating the other levels of the model, particularly the aspects of learning, transfer and impact. Practical implications: The author has applied the model successfully in several public and private organisations, in industry and in the services sector, which demonstrates its usefulness and viability in evaluating the results of training. Therefore, this evaluation model has interesting and practical implications, as a useful tool for training managers for evaluating training results, as well as providing a global simplified approach to the complex evaluation function. Originality/value: The originality of this evaluation model lies in its focus on a key and novel aspect - i.e. the pedagogical dimension, providing an integrated tool that can be easily adapted to any organisation. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.