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Unit details

  • Specialist unit
  • Level 5
  • 7 credits

The unit begins by exploring the importance for evaluating learning within the organisation. Various typologies are evaluated and contrasted from the more traditional to the more contemporary. The process of evaluating L&D is explored from various overarching approaches through to the specifics of the who, what, where and how. 

The challenge of valuing knowledge, learning and development is discussed and key methods currently employed by organisations such as ‘Return on Investment’ (ROI) are described and explained. With the move from the service economy to the knowledge economy, how knowledge management strategy can maximise the value of L&D within an organisation is explored.

This unit is suitable for persons who:

  • are working in or seeking to develop a career in L&D.

  • aim to extend their knowledge and skills in evaluating L&D.

  • aim to further their understanding of the challenges of evaluating L&D in the wider, economic, organisational and environmental context.

 Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit, learners will:

  1. Understand the meaning and purposes of evaluation within a learning and development context.

  2. Know about different theories, tools and techniques for evaluating learning and development activities.

  3. Know about the challenges for evaluating learning and development within a knowledge economy.

Unit assessment

To achieve this unit, the evidence the learner presents for assessment must demonstrate that they have met all the learning outcomes and assessment criteria.


Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit, learners will:

  1. Understand the meaning and purposes of evaluation within a learning and development context.

  2. Know about different theories, tools and techniques for evaluating learning and development activities.

  3. Know about the challenges for evaluating learning and development within a knowledge economy.


Assessment criteria

The learner can:

1.1 Define evaluation and identify the types and purposes of evaluation

1.2 Explain how evaluation fits within learning and development processes and systems

1.3 Discuss the importance of learning transfer into the workplace


2.1 Compare and contrast key theories for evaluating learning and development activities

2.2 Explain the key steps within the evaluation process

2.3 Identify sources of data and methods of analysis that can be used within the evaluation process


3.1 Consider a number of key challenges that can act as barriers to conducting the evaluation of a learning and development activity

3.2 Explore the characteristics of a knowledge economy and their implications for evaluating learning and development activities

3.3 Discuss the key issues raised by intellectual capital accounting

Course no longer available

Please click below for details about a suitable alternative.

See current qualifications