HRD professionals should recognize the importance of evaluating HRD programs and the variety of ways it can be conducted. These points should be followed for any type of program, whether classroom-based, web-based, or in a blended format. However, not every program needs to be evaluated to the same extent. New programs and those with high visibility and expense should be evaluated more thoroughly than proven programs and those offered less frequently.

The key is to have a well-planned evaluation strategy that sets the stage for how and to what extent each program will be evaluated. The challenges now faced by organizations demand serious and sustained evaluation efforts—and results.