Most staff development programs involve the use of assessment tools. The results produced are often used to create personal development action plans. Many of these are provided by consultancies along with facilitated feedback sessions to help the individual understand how to interpret and implement the suggestions made on the reports. However, many consultancies now offer their tools to clients on the internet without any need for face-to-face contact.

If you have used one-to-one feedback as part of your management or professional staff development program or if you are considering using on-line assessment tools with instant printed reports, I would like to hear from you. I am conducting a research project at the University of Hertfordshire, UK, on the effects of on-line assessments, with or without facilitated feedback.

The research will be looking at issues of:
· Whether one-to-one feedback helps to improve performance
· Whether internet based tests providing simple printed reports are as effective
· The possibility of developing do-it-yourself development programs without the need for consultants feedback
· Whether on-line feedback can be as effective (ie: Video conferencing)

This will help provide a practical understanding of successful staff development programs regarding one-to-one feedback, as well as the most effective and cost-efficient method to use for your organisation. You will receive a complete report based on your organisational needs by October 2002, at the end of my research project.

If you would like an evaluation of providing facilitated feedback of on-line assessment tools please contact me as soon as possible on: [email protected]
(Closing date 11th April 2002)

Shameem Quazi