Does Experience-Based Training and Development Work?
The Research
The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of an experience-based training and development program on the supervision abilities of participants. The changes were measured using Kirkpatrick’s four levels of evaluation model.
Sixteen participants were interviewed three months after the training to evaluate bottom-line earnings for the company and related changes in participants. The participants were also interviewed as to which elements at the training were beneficial.
The Results
The results of this research revealed significant behavior changes in participants which positively affected their organization’s bottom line. These changes in behaviors provided savings, identified by supervisors, of several hundred thousand dollars. The savings came in the categories of reduced product rejection rate, improved product delivery efficiency, and improved production rate.
The Implications
The majority of the participants identified the experience-based training and development component as the most effective teaching methodology.
Adapted from Vincent S. Litterini’s thesis: An Examination of Perceived Supervisory
Change to Production Rate, Product Rejection Rate, and Delivery Efficiency.
University of New Hampshire, September 2001. University of New Hampshire Publications
