A process for selecting training methods

The problem with decision-making Enter the tool Defining the problem What are the options? Criteria for assessing alternatives Ways of comparing methods Making assumptions Totalling up costs Weighing up the options The Training Methods Selector Tool

Weighing up the options

Many of the questions that we asked in comparing methods – population variability, population preferences, the nature of the learning to be achieved, media requirements and logistical issues – have obvious inferences that lead you towards or away from particular options. By assigning the ratings to each of the methods, it is possible for the model to obtain an overall percentage score for each method against each of the criteria. To complete the picture, it is also possible to translate the cost totals into percentages, so that the methods can be compared against all criteria in a consistent manner. The final task is to multiply each of these scores by the weightings that were given to each criterion and obtain a grand total percentage score for each method. Phew!

	Effic %	Effec %	Mix %	Total %
Self-instruction:
Web-based with on-line support	100	60	33	72
Stand-alone multimedia PC	80	65	0	65
Multimedia PC / on-line hybrid	100	69	33	75
Multimedia PC in small groups	53	62	50	59
Workbook alone	61	53	0	57
Video and workbook	61	62	0	60
Audio and workbook	61	58	0	59
On-job instruction:
One-to-one instruction	80	50	0	54
Instruction in small group	53	48	50	53
Classroom training:
Class with only basic visual aids	0	44	100	25
Class with full audio-visual support	0	48	100	26
Class with a/v & actual equipment	0	51	100	27
Weighting	3	4	1

Fig2: Sample results table showing percentage comparisons

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