| The
ultimate measure of effectiveness of any training programme
is the trainees’ performance after it has finished.
The
quality of their performance co-relates to the quality of
the course design. So you need to evaluate courses prior
to them being run.
If
you are going to use an outside supplier, firstly establish
the criteria you will use in evaluating them.
For
example:
- Are
objectives stated as outcomes relating to workplace behaviour?
-
Is the message at a level appropriate to the audience?
-
Are course materials effective? User-friendly? Current?
-
Is there sufficient interaction, enough stimulus and response
for the delegates?
-
Are exercises well-designed, appropriate and time-effective?
-
Is the cost reasonable and affordable relative to the
benefits?
-
Are processes to maximise transfer of training built in?
-
Have evaluation tools been provided? Do they measure the
desired behaviour?
-
Has the course been run before and validated?
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Can the supplier provide customer feedback and results?
The benefits of using an outside supplier
-
The contents and objectives of the course fit your needs
-
The quality of the materials are superior to what you
can produce yourself
-
You cannot afford the professional talent of the kind
used to produce the packaged course
-
The training provider has a proven track record in the
area they are training in
-
The course objectives are more likely to be achieved with
a packaged course
-
By using outside companies, it frees up your time to create
courses only you can design – specific for your
business
-
The course has already been developed, so the cost is
usually less than developing a course yourself
-
You receive support from the designers and tutors of the
course
-
The quality of delivery is maintained through the continual
development of the trainers delivering the programme
-
It’s more cost effective to buy a course that fits
your needs
A
quick internet search will reveal hundreds of companies
very willing to provide you with training programmes that
promise near-instant results.
The
proof often is not forthcoming until way after the event.
So determine whether the outside supplier can meet your
needs with a series of thought-starters:
- How
much does the training company know about the subject
you wish them to train?
-
Have they worked with your industry/business before?
-
How will they measure the success of any programme they
run with you?
-
Can you work with them during the preparation stages to
determine the learning points are relevant to your trainees?
-
How much of the material is off-the-shelf and how much
of it is bespoked?
-
Do you need a generic programme or does it need to be
specific to your needs?
-
What guarantees do the companies offer in respects to
the quality of the materials?
-
Will you be charged for design work, or is it a complete
package price?
-
Will you require follow-up work after the programme? Can
they offer coaching and telephone support to the trainees
after the events?
-
What contingency plans do they offer if the programme
doesn’t hit the mark?
The
answers to such questions will guide you toward the right
external training suppliers.
Remember
– every one of them will say they can deliver; go
with your gut feeling as well as common-sense to tell you
how effective they will be.
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