Impact assessment of IRRI's group training program

Date

9-1996

Abstract

This study described and analyzed the impact of IRRI's group training program on the trainees' organization. The specific objectives were; 1) To describe the training inputs which include the trainee characteristics at the time of training, the trainees assessment of human resource training capabilities, and the training course design; 2.) To determine the relationships of training inputs to the training outputs such as technical capability, human relation skills, communication skills, and self confidence; 3) To determine the on-the-job application of capabilities acquired during training; and 4) To analyze the training impact on the trainees' organization.

The respondents for the first phase of the study were 1077 group trainees who attended the selected 13 short-term courses offered in 1981-1990 and who responded to the mailed questionnaire in 1992. For the second phase, 70 trainees and 18 supervisors were personally interviewed at the IRRI headquarters in 1995. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the relationship between the training effects and impact data.

The findings showed that impact of IRRI's group training is reflected in the improved performance of trainees' organization in research and training. This is reflected in the following; a) clients' adoption and utilization of research results generated by the respondents' organization; b) utilization of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches in the conduct of research; c) involvement of respondents' organization in collaborative research; d) improved intra-agency research work; e) improved respondents' organization innovative capacity; and f) increased number and geographical locations of trained scientists.

The improved organizational performance was realized through the improved performance of respondents in research and training (training effects) resulting from the on-the-job application of the capabilities they had acquired after training.

The IRRI training resulted in the acquisition of high level of technical capability, human relations skills, communication skills, and self confidence. The acquired capabilities were associated with the training inputs such as trainees' characteristics at the time of training, the competent human resources involved in the training, and the appropriateness and relevance of the training course design.

The study showed that impact of training can be assessed by evaluating first the inputs, followed by outputs, then by effect. This shows that impact of training is dependent on effects, effects on outputs, and outputs in inputs. Training inputs and outputs could be assessed by using quantitative measures while effects and impact would lend themselves well to qualitative indicators. Since the impact measures were explanatory, further use of the indicators by using both qualitative and quantitative measures is recommended.

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Extension Education

College

Graduate School (GS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Blanda R. Sumayao

Committee Member

Pura T Depositario, Virginia R. Cardenas, Robert T. Raab, Romeo B. Obedoza

Language

English

LC Subject

International Rice Research Institute Training Program, Personnel management

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 996 1996 A16 C78

Notes

Doctor of Philosophy (Extension Education)

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