According to a survey by the Industrial Society, the need for business efficiency is driving an increase in evaluating training.

The research reveals that 2 out of 3 companies responding have increased their commitment to training evaluation in the past two years. Predictably, Investors in People and senior management pressure are also credited as having an effect on the increased importance being placed on evaluation.

Among the other findings of the survey, perhaps not suprisingly training courses are most likely to be evaluated, followed by computer-based training packages and formal professional qualifications.

The survey also reveals that some types of training are more likely to be evaluated than others. Management training tops the list, followed by IT/Computer training, Technical training, induction training and communication skills training.

Around a fifth of companies who responded attempt to quantify the financial benefits of training, with half of those reporting that the amount per person per year is over £300.

It may be encouraging that although end-of-course questionnaires remains the most commonly used evaluation tool, two-thirds of the companies agree written objectives for training before it takes place.

The most common problems identified in evaluating training were establishing measurable results, lack of time and lack of line manager support.

Commenting on the survey findings Andrew Forrest, director of learning and development at The Industrial Society emphasised the fact that "The most effective organisations do not just see evaluation as an important but ‘tacked’ on activity. They see it as an indispensable part of the training cycle around which all training activity should be planned and designed".