Exploring Bennett’s hierarchy for developing methodology for training impact assessment.

Abstract

Despite being one of the most important phases of a training cycle, impact assessment is often the most neglected one and carried out in a superficial subjective manner. The present study attempts to develop a quantifiable methodology to find out impact of training programmes based on Bennett's hierarchy. The study aims to investigate the impact of five training of trainers (ToT) programmes in inland fishery sector of India with a sample size of one hundred seven. With the help of principal component analysis (PCA) seven components were extracted, namely, input, activities, participation, reaction, change in knowledge, attitude & skill (KAS), change in practice, and end result. Majority of the trainees of all five programmes were highly satisfied regarding most of the components under training atmosphere and methodology. About 59.43% participants expressed that their expectations were fully satisfied from the training programmes. About 34.57% and 33.57% of the trainees graded the overall training programme as "very good" and "good" respectively. Statistically significant changes in knowledge level in all programmes and in attitude level in two programmes were recorded. A total 5231 farmers were disseminated information, 2985 farmers were trained, 3715 farmers benefitted socioeconomically and 38 entrepreneurs were developed by the trainees trained under the training programmes. The composite training impact scores of JIFSI 2020 52 (2): 214-221 *S. Som initiated the work, now deceased. five programmes were 71.75%, 81.16%, 71.76%, 63.98%, and 83.15% respectively. Based on the findings, some of the suggestions for future improvement were arrangement of microlab for building positive attitude, application of simulation technique for skill development, post training counseling for improved performance at work place, follow up with mother organization etc.