The Training Development Decision Support System: An Aid to the Design of Cost-Effective Training Programs

Abstract

The Training Development Decision Support System (TDDSS) is a computer-aided training development and evaluation procedure designed to support the conduct of the instructional systems design process. Training program development using TDDSS is conducted in two phases: (1) Training Design and (2) Training Evaluation. Phase 1 is carried out in three steps: Job Function Analysis, Task Analysis, and Learning Requirements Analysis. The product of Phase 1 is a series of viable Training Program Alternatives (TPAs). In Phase 2, a cost-benefit trade-off analysis is performed on the TPAs. The benefits assessment portion of the trade-off analysis is based upon the use of a flexible multiattribute utility measurement procedure. Resource requirements and associated cost estimates for each TPA also are produced during Phase 2. Following the completion of both analyses—benefits assessment and cost estimation—training program merit and cost indices are integrated leading to the identification of a preferred TPA.