Learning Metrics: How to Measure the Impact of Organizational Learning

by Ajay Pangarkar

How do I know if Learning and Development (L&D) initiatives are making a difference to employee and business performance? What should I measure and how do I take a data-driven approach?

Learning Metrics is a practical book for L&D professionals which answers these questions and provides guidance for measuring and communicating the impact of L&D activity in the business. It covers how to measure participant engagement with learning, learning retention and changes in employee performance post-learning. There is also guidance on how to measure on-the-job behaviour change as a result of learning, as well as metrics for measuring the organizational impact of learning. This book also has essential guidance on how to use learning analytics to assess the return on investment (ROI) of learning and how to use these results to adopt a data-driven approach and map learning metrics to organizational KPIs. Learning Metrics also includes guidance on how to communicate the impact of the company's learning and development activity to all business stakeholders.

Full of practical guidance, examples, advice and case studies from organizations including Pfizer, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Merck and Hewlett Packard, this is essential reading for all L&D professionals needing to measure the impact of L&D activity in the business but not sure where to start.

312 pages, Paperback

Published May 28, 2024

Reviews

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

In the ever-evolving landscape of organizational learning and development (L&D), “Learning Metrics: How to Measure the Impact of Organizational Learning” by Ajay Pangarkar and Teresa Kirkwood emerges as a beacon of clarity and practicality. This book is a must-read for L&D professionals seeking to quantify the effectiveness of their initiatives and align them with business outcomes.

Pangarkar and Kirkwood, both seasoned experts in the field, have crafted a comprehensive guide that addresses the perennial question: How do we measure the impact of learning and development activities?

Content and Structure

The authors have structured the book in a logical and accessible manner, making it easy for readers to follow and implement the strategies discussed. These examples illustrate how the theoretical concepts can be applied in diverse corporate environments.

Key Takeaways

Data-Driven Approach: The book emphasizes the importance of adopting a data-driven approach to measure the return on investment (ROI) of learning initiatives.

Communication Strategies: One of the standout features of the book is its focus on how to effectively communicate the impact of L&D activities to various stakeholders.

Pangarkar and Kirkwood’s writing is clear, concise, and engaging. They manage to break down complex concepts into digestible pieces without oversimplifying the content. The use of diagrams and charts further aids in understanding the metrics and methodologies discussed.

“Learning Metrics: How to Measure the Impact of Organizational Learning” is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in L&D. It not only provides the tools and techniques needed to measure the effectiveness of learning initiatives but also offers insights into how to communicate these results effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned L&D professional or new to the field, this book will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make a tangible impact on your organization.

This book is a testament to the authors’ expertise and their ability to translate complex concepts into practical guidance. It’s a highly recommended read for those looking to elevate their L&D practices and demonstrate their value to the business.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

This was a surprisingly easy and informative read!

If you will get your hands on the paperback copy and flip through the book it may seem that book is repetitive with the content, and it is but only because it's an actual handbook, and a very nice one. It goes thoroughly through different communication ways across the company and how to apply habit-sharing, -discussion, and -follow-through in each communication way, mostly meetings.
The book doesn't give you specific habits to apply, but it does a great job of giving you examples of why learning is crucial, how to integrate the habit of learning, and what to look for/what questions to answer to integrate learning successfully. Being a very topic-specific book, it does an amazing job of answering most questions you may have in order to apply the habit of learning in the company.

This book works for individual contributors as well in order to know what to request from yourself and your manager, but I would highly recommend it for employees in management positions and CEOs - the habit of learning won't only support the growth of each employee but will give them additional motivation and interest in the work they do if they are ready to learn and develop their skillset.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kogan Page for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, yes, and yes! All organizations should be measuring the impact of organizational learning beyond simple engagement! This book will not only help you measure performance metrics, but it will also help you understand and utilize performance metrics for strategic results. I can't recommend this book enough!

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never thought of getting to test and document the impact of learning initiatives at work, or in an organization and reading this gave me insights on learning.
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC.