Evaluation is the systematic process of gathering and analyzing data and other objective information on processes and outcomes within the context of the business or organizational setting to determine the quality, value, and effectiveness of training and learning, performance improvement, or other HR programs, interventions, or solutions. More importantly, evaluation should determine the extent to which an intervention or practice is evidence-based (i.e., based on the best available scientific evidence rather than trends, fads, and beliefs).
The Targeted Evaluation Process™ (TEP) is a flexible and evidence-based approach to evaluation that is applicable to a wide-range of interventions and accounts for intervening factors and processes which may affect the success of your intervention or program. Based on Wendy Combs and Salvatore Falletta’s book, the TEP involves a six step process of:
1. Partnering with stakeholders
2. Understanding the intervention and organizational context
3. Targeting evaluation questions and identifying evaluation dimensions
4. Designing tools, technology, and techniques
5. Gather and analyzing data
6. Reporting results
“Finally, a practical, six-step process approach for evaluating a broad range of training and learning, performance improvement, and talent management interventions (both instructional and non-instructional in nature). Combs and Falletta’s approach pushes the envelope and moves us beyond Kirkpatrick’s four-level evaluation model. “