Worth reading as it provides with concepts how to evaluate a training program by four levels. This four-level model was mentioned and applied in Google (referred Work Rules of Laszlo Bock) and it's useful. While first 2 levels are easy to assess at the end of courses, the other 2 ones required more effort and systematic measurement/ data to conclude. However, if the organization considers training & development activities are important for business, it must be read and tried.
While not exactly a great book, this is one of the better books I've read in HR. I was quite skeptical, but it actually advocates randomized controlled trials and other good scientific methods. Particularly useful was that the book contains 15 case studies written by 3rd parties about how they went about doing training evaluation. Unfortunately, these are not that detailed, and none used an actual RCT as advocated in the first part of the book!
I would give it 3 stars normally, but considering the other stuff published in this field, I think it should get 4 in a kind of 'grading on a curve' scheme.
Don Kirkpatrick was a great friend and teacher. His simple 4 level Evaluation model is a good beginning for every human resources development professional - the 4 levels (Reactions, Learning, Behaviour, Results). Simple and easy to read,
As an L&D Manager, I thought I should read this because the Kirkpatrick Levels are such a foundation of evaluating training programs. But the book was pretty terrible, with just a few useful tidbits here and there. I'm going to try How to Measure Training Results by Jack Phillips & Ron Stone instead.