A Measurement Menu for OJT Evaluation

TeamOJT Tip of the Month for March, 2006

I Skill: Training Benefits

• more skilled trainees and trainers
• better training materials and instruction
• more efficient/effective training

II Knowledge: Performance Benefits

• performance standards defined
• improved quality
• enhanced productivity

III Attitude: Human Factors Benefits

• improved attitude/morale for system participants
• improved attitude/morale for system participants as well as people in other parts of the organization
• fulfill human factors goals of improved job satisfaction, team effectiveness, and job-related conditions affecting task accomplishment

What is a measurement menu? It.s a simple table that lists suggested areas to measure to evaluate the effectiveness of your OJT program. In the measurement menu, bulleted items under each of the three benefits are measurable outcomes. For example, if you want to measure the training benefits, you could show that you have more skilled trainees and trainers as a result of the program. If you want to measure performance benefits, you could measure the improvement in quality or productivity. To measure human factors benefits, you might conduct attitude surveys or show improved job satisfaction through lower turnover. List the specific benefits that fit your own needs and, if possible, include measurable factors for each of the three benefit areas - skill, knowledge, and attitude.

Keep in mind that different measures serve different purposes and that there is value in both objective and subjective data. To measure training, performance, and human factors changes you will want to collect both objective and subjective performance indicators.

Objective data will include measures that you can observe, such as number of errors made, amount of reworking required, number of units produced, number of certified trainers, or amount of turnover or absenteeism. Subjective data, on the other hand, includes measures that you cannot see directly, such as information gathered from observations of team sessions to evaluate team effectiveness, from interviews, or from the answers to open-ended questions on written questionnaires.

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