Here's a really simple, no mess, no calculations, approach to see if the training was effective:
ASK THOSE WHO ATTENDED, ASK THEIR MANAGERS, ASK THE CUSTOMER!!!
Here is a sequence of questions. They start with questions to ask BEFORE the training.
1. Ask the customer or the line manager of each person that will be attending:
(a) What outcomes are you expecting to get from your people attending this training - in results, behaviours, activities?
(i) as soon as they return
(ii) 1 month later
(iii) 3 months after they return
(iv) 6 months after they return
(b) How will you know that these outcomes have been achieved? What signs will tell you of success or failure?
(c) To what extent will this course help to achieve these outcomes?
(d) In light of this last answer, which expectations would you like to change, and how/to what?
(e) What else are you prepared to do to ensure that these outcomes are
2. Ask the same of those actually attending.
3. After the training, go back to the client or line managers, remind them of the questions in Q(1) and the responses they gave - and ask them what the reality is, and what they intend to do about it.
4. Ask the same of those who attended.
5. Ask everybody concerned "was it worth it?" and "would you recommend this to anybody else?" and "why?"
6. Ask how you can help support these other actions.
Kind regards
Martin