Course Overview

Every program tells a story. Some results are easy to see. For example, participants may enjoy the experience and gain new knowledge or skills.

However, the harder questions come next. Did participants change how they work? Did key measures improve? Most importantly, were the results worth the investment?

This practical workshop introduces the fundamentals of the ROI Methodology. The approach aligns with the five-level evaluation framework reflected in ISO/TS 30437:2023. It helps organizations move beyond participation, satisfaction, and learning data.

First, you will learn how to collect credible data across five levels of evaluation. Next, you will explore ways to isolate a program’s contribution to reported results. You will also learn how to convert selected improvements into monetary value. Finally, you will calculate the Benefit-Cost Ratio and Return on Investment.

As a result, you will be better prepared to answer a central question from executives, boards, and funders: What measurable value did this program create for the resources invested?

What You Will Learn

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the strategic value and common barriers to implementing impact and ROI evaluation.
• Navigate the 5 Levels of Evaluation and apply the 12 Guiding Principles to ensure credible, conservative reporting.
• Design multi-level data collection plans, selecting optimal methods, sources, and timing for your context.
• Isolate program effects from external factors using control groups, trendline analysis, and expert estimation.
• Convert data to monetary value and apply standard criteria to determine when benefits must remain reported as intangibles.
• Account for fully loaded program costs to ensure balanced, defensible ROI calculations.
• Calculate the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) and Return on Investment (ROI) using standard formulas.

Course Format

This course is delivered through two virtual, interactive, instructor-led modules (or one day in-person). Participants will engage in guided exercises, practical applications, and a real-world case study, and will complete an ROI Quiz at the close of the course. A certificate of completion will be provided to all participants who successfully complete both modules.

Module Overview

Module 1: Laying the Foundation and Isolating Impact

The ROI Methodology evaluates performance across five sequential levels: reaction, learning, application, impact, and ROI. In this module, participants examine how these levels build upon one another and master a practical decision framework to determine which initiatives justify an evaluation through to Level 5. Next, participants explore a range of data collection methods—including surveys, performance records, and focus groups—while practicing how to choose credible sources and realistic timelines for their projects. Finally, the session tackles the critical question every leadership team asks: “How do you know the program caused these results?” Through applied exercises, participants learn to isolate program effects from external influences using control groups, trendline analysis, and mathematically adjusted estimations.

Module 2: Converting Data to Value and Calculating ROI

Moving from business or mission impact to ROI requires translating operational gains into monetary value. This module guides participants through standard conversion techniques—such as historical cost records, expert input, and external benchmarks—to annualize program benefits with defensible precision. Because not every outcome belongs in a financial equation, participants apply a four-part validation test to distinguish between hard monetary benefits and vital intangible outcomes. With benefits established, participants account for fully loaded direct and indirect costs to calculate both the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) and the net Return on Investment percentage. A comprehensive case study brings the entire methodology together from initial baseline to final presentation, leaving participants with an actionable implementation plan for their own initiatives.

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for:

• Corporate & L&D Leaders: Heads of Talent, HR, Organizational Development, and operational business partners needing to justify program budgets.
• Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialists: Evaluators in NGOs, non-profits, and public agencies accountable for proving grant impact.
• Project & Program Directors: Anyone accountable for delivering verifiable performance outcomes to executive sponsors.

Prerequisites

No prior ROI experience is required. All materials will be provided.