Evaluating Human Relations Programs for Industrial Foremen and Supervisors is an unedited reprinting of Dr. Donald L. Kirkpatrick's doctoral dissertation exactly as it was written in 1954. Within it lies the beginning of what is known today as the Kirkpatrick Four Levels. "I never called it a "model" and I never referred to the four words as levels," says Kirkpatrick. "I was just trying to determine if my programs for managers and supervisors were successful in helping them to perform better on the job." Take advantage of this rare opportunity to read the origins of what has become one of the most utilized and respected training evaluation models in the world. See for yourself where the world has gained the insight to evaluate training programs on four important dimensions. For those of you working on your own doctoral dissertation or planning to in the future, may this serve as an inspirational guide for you. Hopefully your work will also positively impact the world of workplace learning and performance.
About the Author: Dr. Donald L. Kirkpatrick holds B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. At the Management Institute of the University of Wisconsin, Don taught managers at all levels the principles and techniques of many subjects including Coaching, Communication, Managing Time, Managing Change, Team Building, and Leadership. In industry, Don served as Training Director for International Minerals and Chemical Corp. where he developed a Performance Appraisal Program. Later he served as Human Resources Manager of Bendix Products Aerospace Division. Don is a past national president of the American Society For Training and Development (ASTD) where he received the Gordon Bliss and "Lifetime Achievement in Workplace Learning and Performance" awards. He is a member of Training Magazine's Hall Of Fame. In 2007, he received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Asia HRD Congress. Don is the author of seven Management Inventories and seven books including the 3rd edition of Evaluating Training Programs: The Four Levels, which has become the basis for evaluation all over the world. His other books include: Implementing the Four Levels, Transferring Learning to Behavior, Developing Employees Through Appraisal and Coaching 2nd edition (2006); How To Plan and Conduct Productive Meetings (2006); and Managing Change Effectively (2002). For more information about Don and his work, visit kirkpatrickpartners.com.