Abstract
This analysis is to clarify the effects and the cost-effectiveness of the short-term training projects and to make suggestions for improvement. The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) has conducted some ten training projects every year as part of its Integrated Community Development (ICD) program. According to a questionnaire survey, the participants acquired 70.3% of knowledge and skills covered by the training sessions, and they utilized 62.2% of what they have acquired in their work. Additionally, many participants disseminated to others the training results through a range of activities such as lectures, seminars, and publication of papers.
The secondary effects of the training were calculated under the assumption that the training effects equivalent to the original ones are generated when those who received training instilled into others the same levels of knowledge and skills that they have acquired. It has been found that the number of those to whom the results of the training were transmitted to through lectures and seminars is 1.88 persons per participantper year. Taking into consideration the secondary effects associated with the dissemination of the training results, the total effects of training outstrip the training cost.
It has been revealed through a structural equation analysis that the key factors for the improvement of the training effects are selection of appropriate participants, effective and efficient training program, and utilization and dissemination of the knowledge and skills obtained through training program.
