Training as a development tool

This study examines how USAID"s reengineering concepts and principles apply to the training function and documents development experience useful for integrating participant training into strategic planning. The first and more theoretical part of the study: (1) defines training impact and briefly discusses how reengineering guidelines affect each of the components of training (a table contrasting concepts and practices under traditional and reengineered training is provided, as well as a brief discussion on how Agency core values apply to training systems); (2) synthesizes three commonly used training evaluation models developed by Donald Kirkpatrick, Robert Brinkerhoff, and the USAID-funded HERNS project; (3) offers a general discussion of indicators and provides strategies and recommendations for developing training indicators; and (4) includes tools and mechanisms to isolate the effect of training on performance improvement and to calculate results in financial terms. The second part of the study presents five case studies of integrated training programs designed strategically in support of other activities (i.e., economic growth, democracy and governance, health, education, and training) in Tajikistan, Bolivia, El Salvador, Morocco, and Namibia. The aim is to illustrate for training specialists how reengineering concepts and approaches are being applied in various sectors. A discussion of training results is also presented, as well as a description of TraiNet, a database system designed to record and report training activities and results. Includes references. (Author abstract, modified)