Industrial Training, Documentation & Work Instructions worked example

Training Effectiveness Score with knowledge retention score of 18 score: a worked example

Push knowledge retention score up to 18 score and the picture changes. This example computes every intermediate figure at that operating point. Use this after completing a training program to evaluate its effectiveness using Kirkpatrick-style levels, or when comparing multiple training programs to decide which ones deserve more investment.

The inputs for this scenario

  • Knowledge retention score (1-10): 18 score (raised for this scenario; the documented default is 7)
  • On-the-job performance score (1-10): 6 score (unchanged)
  • Business impact score (1-10): 5 score (unchanged)

Working through the calculation

  • Applying the documented formula (Training effectiveness score = knowledge retention x 0.40 + performance improvement x 0.35 + business impact x 0.25) to the inputs above produces each figure below.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 10.55 score for training effectiveness score, the number this scenario is built around.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 18 score for knowledge retention score.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 6 score for on-the-job performance score.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 5 score for business impact score.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where knowledge retention score sits at 7 score and the headline result is 6.15 score, this scenario comes in 71.54% above the baseline at 10.55 score.
  • It computes a single weighted effectiveness score (1-10) from retention, on-the-job performance, and business impact ratings. The value of this scenario is the size of the gap it exposes: that gap, priced out over a year, is the budget you can justify spending to close it.

Results at a glance

  • Training effectiveness score: 10.55 score (headline result)
  • Knowledge retention score: 18 score
  • On-the-job performance score: 6 score
  • Business impact score: 5 score

Run it with your numbers

  • Every input above is editable in the live Training Effectiveness Score calculator, which recalculates instantly and can be shared with the inputs intact.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.