Training professionals need to move away from traditional evaluation methods for their work, towards measures that address the real value learning and development contributes to strategic business objectives and in achieving high performance, according to a comprehensive new study from the CIPD.

The report argues for a shift away from trainer centred and return on investment models of evaluation, and towards "return on expectation" models that rely on deeper understanding and greater alignment with organisational priorities.

Martyn Sloman, CIPD Learning, Training and Development adviser, comments: "There seems to be too much focus on measuring what matters to us as trainers, or on how satisfied people are after a training course and not enough on what really matters to our organisational masters.

"The development of a new approach to valuing learning is long overdue. For 30 years we have regarded a hierarchical approach based on return on investment as the only way to approach the problem - it has become a holy grail for the profession. The world of learning has changed and new models are required."

The study, Value and Evaluation: From return on investment to return on expectation produced in conjunction with the University of Portsmouth Business School is based on individual interviews with chief executives or other senior managers in 12 different organisations, and separate interviews with the most senior learning and development professionals in each of those organisations. The research highlights how organisations are developing a range of different methods to assess and report on the value of learning.

The same questions were asked in the two interviews, building a unique picture of the differences in perspective between learning professionals and their operational masters.

One of the key conclusions of the report is that effective value and evaluation processes require practitioners to develop and use measures that are relevant to organisational stakeholders and the needs of the business. Measures of "return on expectation", rather than return on investment are more likely to meet these needs.

Sloman adds: "Trying to measure learning by figures and financial results is a bit like driving with your eyes fixed on the rear view mirror. Return on investment can be a valuable measure in some circumstances but it is not the answer on its own".

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