The final step for any training program is a way to measure how effectively the training program accomplished its stated goals. This step in the training process is frequently overlooked due to time and financial constraints. However, as senior executives demand more accountability, there is a growing interest in measuring and reporting training results. SAP SuccessFactors Learning offers a training evaluation feature that can simplify this process with user-friendly surveys and quick reporting.
Introducing Training Surveys
Objective
After completing this lesson, you will be able to list the different types of surveys that can be created in SAP SuccessFactors Learning.
Training Evaluations Overview
Training Evaluation Model
To assess training effectiveness, a four-level model like one developed by Donald Kirkpatrick is often used. According to Kirkpatrick’s model, evaluation should start with level one and then, if resources allow, move through the remaining levels in sequence. Information from each previous level is used as a starting point for the next level's evaluation. Each successive level provides a more detailed measure of the training program's effectiveness, but also requires a more thorough and time-consuming analysis.
The four levels of the evaluation model measure:
- Level 1: Reaction – What learners thought and felt about the training.
- Level 2: Learning – How learners’ knowledge or capability has increased.
- Level 3: Behavior – If learners are applying what they have learned.
- Level 4: Results – How learners’ performance impacts the business or environment. This could also be referred to as Return on Investment, comparing the cost of training to the measurable financial benefits.
Survey Types in Learning
With the training evaluation tools in SAP SuccessFactors Learning the first three levels of evaluation are supported. Level 1 and Level 3 evaluations are facilitated through surveys, whereas Level 2 evaluations are supported by assessments.
A survey is a configurable entity that may be attached to an item and triggered by specific completion statuses. There are two types of surveys: Course Feedback and Follow-up Surveys.
Course Feedback
The course feedback is a user satisfaction and evaluation survey. It is typically most effective if delivered immediately after the training event ends, when a user’s reaction to the training is still fresh in their mind. This evaluation is sometimes referred to as a ‘smile sheet’ or ‘happy sheet’ because, in their simplest form, they measure how well users liked the training.
Users will automatically receive a course evaluation survey when a history record is added for the item and the completion status is set to trigger the survey. Alternatively, an instructor can manually trigger the course evaluation before adding a history record.
Follow-up Survey
The follow-up survey gathers information about whether knowledge acquired is applied by the learners. After a certain amount of time has passed since the history record was added, follow-up surveys are automatically assigned to users.
The Course Feedback and Follow-Up Surveys Email Notification APM must be run to assign these follow-up surveys. This process will also notify the learners and managers when they have been assigned either type of survey.
Summary
- Measure training program effectiveness using SAP SuccessFactors Learning’s evaluation tools, including surveys and quick reporting.
- Utilize Kirkpatrick’s four-level evaluation model to assess training impact, moving sequentially from learner reactions to business results
- Implement Course Feedback surveys to capture immediate user reactions after training completion.
- Use Follow-up Surveys to evaluate if learners are applying acquired knowledge over time.
- Automate survey assignments with the Course Feedback and Follow-Up Surveys Email Notification APM.
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