Are you obtaining the best value from your investment in training? Consider these questions before embarking on creating and delivering training to a target audience.

1. Sponsorship - who in the organization are the key sponsor(s) and main contact(s) for this education program?

2. Target Individual(s)/Group(s) - which organization functions and levels are targeted for this educational development?

3. Assessment of Target Individual(s)/Group(s) - how will the skill development needs of the target individual(s) or group(s) be determined (assessments, focus groups, or personal interviews), and who will make that determination (the sponsor, the target group itself, the target groups' manager(s), or outside consultant)?

4. Curriculum Development - what level of involvement do the sponsor(s) wish in the creation of the appropriate course topics once the educational needs are determined?

5. Module Tailoring - how much individual module tailoring will be required in order to meet the specific education needs of the target participants, and what level of involvement will the sponsoring organization and target group(s) want in that tailoring?

6. Group Composition - what will be the composition of participant group(s) for curriculum delivery (horizontal, vertical or diagonal slices; intact work groups or mixed groups)?

7. Sequencing of Modules - how will the modules complement each other (e.g., leading from micro skills to macro skills; or blending work-, people- and self-management skills; or having required versus optional modules)?

8. Scheduling of Modules - what will be time allotted between modules, as well as the overall length of the whole education program?

9. Module and Curriculum Evaluation - how will the program be evaluated (written evaluation and/or participant verbal feedback) and who will perform that evaluation (management, Human Resource Department, and/or the instructor)?

10. Pre- and Post-work - How much work can participants realistically perform before and after modules; will that work be done on company or personal time?

11. Education Reinforcement - How will the education be reinforced by sponsor(s) and/or management (before, during and after sessions) to ensure maximum skills transfer to the job?

12. Investment - what is the best way to budget for the program (per person, per module, or for the whole education program)?


Harvy Simkovits, CMC, President of Business Wisdom, works with owner managed companies to help them grow, prosper and continue on by offering innovative approaches to business development, company management, organization leadership and learning, and management education. He can be reached at 781-862-3983 or .