11 Mar This week you had the opportunity to learn about evaluation within the workplace at a level where results affect the outcome o

Week 5 Discussion 1

This week you had the opportunity to learn about evaluation within the workplace at a level where results affect the outcome of the company’s success.

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Evaluating Results and Benefits – Week #5 Lecture 1

Improving HPT

Welcome to Week 5. I hope you are enjoying the course and are applying your learning to your workplace. This week we dive deeper into the learning of ROI and how evaluation can improve human performance technology. As you know, ROI stands for the return on investment. This is used to determine the worth of programs within your workplace. However, what some don’t realize is that this is one of the most important tools you can you to gauge success within the workplace. On the other hand, some want to take ROI to the extreme and end up wasting time, energy, and money trying to prove a value.  Doug Scudder (2013) states that “If you can’t prove the ROI for something, maybe it is pointless or maybe it just isn’t being utilized properly. If your couch isn’t providing a return on the investment your company made in it, maybe you should be meeting with more clients in person to build a better rapport. If your Facebook page isn’t driving traffic/leads/customers to your website, it isn’t because Facebook isn’t a good place for you to find a targeted audience. It is because you aren’t properly leveraging your brand’s social media presence. Data won’t ever do your thinking for you, it is just an important tool that you should be using regularly.” This is great advice to go by as time wasted can be just as detrimental as money wasted.  In regards to ROI being managed properly, it is important to consider how this can be achieved. Tracking items that are going to be considered in factoring ROI can be beneficial. Tracking can save time and money. Those involved in the process should look at all parts involved in the research process. Taking the time to look deeper into what is involved will help benefit the process long-term. As technology evolves, the need for evaluation occurs. This is not just for the employees, but for the workplace processes, as well. With that said, ROI has become a topic of conversation as some feel that due to technological improvements, ROI is extinct. While others feel that ROI is just getting started in its important role. Today, technological implementation focuses on the value creation for the business as a whole. As the economy continues to change, procedures need to be evaluated to ensure that they are current and productive. Therefore, ROI is examined to determine its current worth. There is no right or wrong answer to whether or not ROI still has a place as this will vary by organization. Consider your current workplace and think about whether you feel this could still benefit your organization.   Now, with the growing use of technology having been discussed, let’s consider what technology has done to trust. Some might feel that technology has changed business so much that trust is no longer existent. Others might say the opposite stating that technology has created more solid bonds. However, what it comes down to is what role does ROI has in building trust. Does it? Good question and again, one that might vary depending on who you ask. Nonetheless, consider how you shop today. I know that when I consider a purchase, I utilize the internet to research. I check for reviews, I compare prices, and I evaluate the pros and cons of the item I intend to purchase. Technology at my fingertips has allowed me to adjust the way I shop, and in many instances, saves me money.  Remember that ROI is going to be your return on investment. If you are not seeing a return, there is something wrong with the plan in place. Consider what can be done to evaluate your return today and utilize the technology available to do this. Customer review sites, review forums on the company’s website, review forums on the manufacturer's website, etc. These are all ways that consumers are shopping today. People are information hungry and they are also money savvy. They want quality and affordability. Therefore, consider the best options necessary to reach the customer base. By doing so, you will find that your return on investment proves successful. If not, you should have the understanding and tools necessary to make the changes needed to ensure success overall. Resources: Scudder, D. (2013) “ROI Isn’t Everything; It Is the Only Thing” Retrieved online from:  https://www.randallreilly.com/roi-isnt-everything-it-is-the-only-thing/